Huge endangered snapping turtle, somehow loose in Mass., rescued from pond

An alligator snapping turtle was found living in an Essex County pond after being abandoned by its owner. The turtle was among the first of its kind seen in Massachusetts. Wildlife officials said keeping alligator snapping turtles as pets is illegal in the state. The turtle was reported by local homeowners and was very lethargic due to cold water temperatures. Officials also found severe pneumonia. The species was identified by shell shape and a unique tongue shaped like a worm-like lure. The turtle was taken to the New England Wildlife Center for recovery, and officials hope to learn its origin. Plans include returning it to its native range for conservation efforts.

"“This is one of the first alligator snappers that's been found in the wild in Massachusetts, which means that somebody had it as a pet,” Mike Jones, a herpetologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program said in a video posted by MassWildlife to social media."

"It is illegal to have alligator snapping turtles as pets in Massachusetts, wildlife officials said. Trina Wantman, a freshwater turtle biologist, was contacted by local homeowners regarding a potential alligator snapping turtle in their pond, MassWildlife posted. The 60-pound reptile was very lethargic due to the cold water temperatures and was suffering from severe pneumonia, wildlife officials said."

"“They are not native to Massachusetts. They don't do well in our environment,” Wantman said. Alligator snapping turtles are native to Louisiana throughout Iowa, meaning they're used to warmer waters, wildlife officials said."

"Officials identified the turtle as an alligator snapper because of its shell shape and its unique tongue, which is shaped like a “worm-like lure,” Jones said. The turtle was taken to the New England Wildlife Center to recover from pneumonia. Officials also hope to learn where the turtle came from, MassWildlife posted. The turtle will hopefully be returned to its “native range” to be a part of conservation efforts, Jones said."

Read at Boston.com