TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A common snapping turtle, likely a lost pet, will be available for adoption on Friday (Nov. 22) if its owner fails to claim it by then, the Miaoli Animal Care and Health Office said Tuesday (Nov. 19).
On Nov. 14, a resident from Zhunan Township found a snapping turtle with a shell measuring approximately 25 cm long and 20 cm wide. The police took custody of it and brought it to the animal protection center for temporary care, according to CNA.
A notice was posted on the same day, giving the original owner seven days to claim the snapping turtle. If unclaimed, the turtle will be available for adoption at 11 a.m. Friday.
The snapping turtle is known for its aggressive nature and can potentially establish wild populations, posing a serious threat to Taiwan's native freshwater ecosystem. Potential adopters must meet at least one of the two requirements.
The first is proof of previous snapping turtle pet-keeping experience and adequate housing space. The second is proof of proper housing space and completion of an animal welfare course.
A lottery will be held if there are more than two adoption applicants.
Animal Care and Health Office Director Zhang Jun-yi (張俊義) said in recent years, the animal center has housed several rare animals. These include silver foxes and meerkats.
The common snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles and is considered one of the oldest living reptiles, Zhang said. Given its aggressive nature and position at the top of the food chain, few creatures aside from crocodiles pose a threat to them.
Common snapping turtles resemble alligator snapping turtles in appearance and behavior. However, their geographic range is significantly broader, spanning the eastern and northern US, and reaching into southern Canada, according to Pet Era.
This wider distribution hints at their ability to endure colder climates. Three additional closely related species, the Florida, Mexican, and Ecuadorian snapping turtles, inhabit Central and South America, boasting sizable populations.
Unlike alligator snapping turtles, common snapping turtles lack a worm-like tongue for luring prey. Instead, they ambush their victims, which include fish, shrimp, insects, amphibians, birds, and essentially any animal in their reach.
Common snapping turtles grow rapidly and can be successfully kept in shallow water as long as the depth is equal to the height of their shell. To ensure their well-being, it is crucial to provide a basking area equipped with a heat lamp, allowing them to engage in their natural behavior of basking in the sun.
Commercially available turtle pellets provide a balanced diet, but live foods like fish and shrimp are also suitable. Young turtles should be fed every other day to prevent obesity, while adults can be fed once or twice a week.
