Iranian group could be labelled national threat under proposed new law
UK legislation could soon label Iran's IRGC a national security threat.
BBC News1 min read
Scienceneutral
American snapping turtle with bite 'like a car door' found at Welsh beauty spot
TL;DR
An American snapping turtle, found in Swansea, Wales, has a bite compared to trapping a finger in a car door. It was likely abandoned by an irresponsible owner, raising concerns about the impact of non-native species on local biodiversity.
Key points
- American snapping turtle found in Swansea, Wales
- Bite compared to trapping a finger in a car door
- Likely abandoned by an irresponsible owner
- Illegal to release non-native species into the wild
- Concerns about biodiversity impact
Mentioned in this story
Penllegare Valley WoodsSwanseaNational Centre for Reptile Welfare
American snapping turtle
An American snapping turtle with a bite that feels like "trapping your finger in a car door" has been found in a stream at a Welsh beauty spot.
The turtle with his beak-like jaws and native to North and Central America was found at Penllegare Valley Woods, Swansea.
"They're not going to attack, but if you pick one up it will defend itself and likely bite – it would feel like trapping your hand in a car door," said Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, where the turtle was taken to after rescue.
Newman said it was likely left there by an "irresponsible owner", stressing it is illegal to release non-native species into the wild because of the biodiversity impact.
Newman said the centre often sees species of turtles released, but snapping turtles were a worry when it came to other wildlife.
"They're predators – they take fish and frogs, but our biggest concern is that they feed on mammals," he said.
Newman said it was particularly concerning for the native endangered water vole, which he described as the snapping turtle's "top snack".
Once commonly found across Wales, water voles – living along waterways - have undergone significant decline and are listed as endangered due to threats from habitat loss and predators.
"It's really important to stress that it is illegal to release non-native species into the wild," said Newman, recommending that snapping turtles are always removed, something the centre can help with.
He also urged people not to try and capture snapping turtles themselves, saying they would likely try to defend themselves by biting.
"You're not going to lose a finger, but it would feel like trapping your hand in a car door – it would certainly ruin your day," he said.
Newman also said snapping turtles would be unlikely to bite humans paddling in the water, but would target mammals living there such as water voles.
The turtles mainly hunt by hiding under water and ambushing their prey, he said.
"And if a water vole went over the top of that, that would be the end of that water vole."
Q&A
What is the danger of American snapping turtles in the wild?
American snapping turtles can pose a threat to local wildlife if released, as they are non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.
Where was the American snapping turtle found in Wales?
The turtle was found in a stream at Penllegare Valley Woods in Swansea, Wales.
Why is it illegal to release non-native species like snapping turtles?
Releasing non-native species is illegal due to their potential negative impact on local biodiversity and ecosystems.
