Exotic creature that will ‘eat anything’ found at Cumbria fishing lake


by Chris Haydon |
Updated on

A bizarre and exotic creature, native to the US, was found at a Cumbria fishing spot last week and safely removed.

'Fluffy' the alligator snapping turtle was found by a dog walker at Urswick Tarn and fished out with a shopping basket, the BBC reports.

If left, the invasive reptile could have been incredibly dangerous for the environment at the tarn, which is home to stocks of bream, roach and skimmers.

The fishing at the venue is managed by Urswick Parish Council and is just one of the water activities available at the site.

Fluffy was taken to Wild Side Vets in Barrow-in-Furness where it is being cared for, before being rehomed or sent to a private keeper.

Wild Side Vets' Dr Moule said: "It's an extremely surprising discovery.

"At this size, it could give you a nasty bite but when they get bigger, they can grow up to 80kg and they can cause some damage."

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FISHING AND INVASIVE SPECIES IN THIS ARTICLE.

'Fluffy' the alligator snapping turtle (Image: Wild Side Vets)
'Fluffy' the alligator snapping turtle (Image: Wild Side Vets) ©Wild Side Vets

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