An urgent safety alert has been issued to Brits after a menacing snapping turtle was spotted lurking at a popular beauty spot. The 'extremely dangerous' prehistoric-looking reptile, who has since been named Sheila, sparked panic after being discovered swimming in a woodland stream at Penllergare Valley Woods in Wales.
Alarmed officials immediately warned wild swimmers and dog walkers to stay on high alert, as the 35cm beast is capable of causing severe damage. The snapper, believed to be around three or four years old, was eventually rescued from the Welsh woodland.
Rescue and Relocation
Sheila has since completed a 220-mile trek to the National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW) in Kent, where experts say she is in perfect health. Snapping turtles are native to North and Central America, meaning Sheila was almost certainly dumped illegally by an owner who couldn't handle her.
Bite Force and Danger
The species is infamous for its razor-sharp, beak-like jaws and a bite force that could leave a human with horrific injuries. Woodland trust chiefs warned that the freshwater predators are 'capable of causing serious injury,' particularly if confronted on dry land. Chris Newman, director of the NCRW, laid bare the sheer power of the animal, warning that its bite is equivalent to 'putting your hand in a car door and slamming it.'
Public Warning
Before Sheila was safely detained, Penllergare Valley Woods posted a frantic warning on social media to keep locals out of harm's way. The trust said: 'Do not enter the water, and keep dogs out too. A snapping turtle has been seen in the water at Penllergare. Our conservation team is working on a plan to capture it safely alongside expert advice, as it is keeping itself hidden to stay warm (we think it's likely to be at the waterfall). Snapping turtles can be extremely dangerous, with powerful jaws capable of causing serious injury. If you do spot it, please inform a member of staff immediately.'
Aftermath and Expert Opinion
Thankfully, the one-kilo reptile was captured. Despite suffering a brief bout of 'shell shock' from her ordeal, she is now thriving in captivity. While they look terrifying, reptile expert Mr Newman suggested the creatures 'have a bad reputation which is not entirely deserved.' He said: 'They are not aggressive but they are defensive. The bite would be extremely painful but it's not going to bite a finger off. When they bite they don't let go. It would be like putting your hand in a car door and slamming it. If a dog stepped on it it would certainly defend itself.'
Sheila is now expected to be rehomed at a zoo. Mr Newman slammed the reckless owner who dumped her, adding: 'They are not animals that easily escape. Turtles do not get out of enclosures easily. Unfortunately quite a lot of turtles get released in this country. It is completely illegal. The problem with snapping turtles is they are predators, they eat fish, newts and things like that. They can have an impact on the environment.'
