Huge snapping turtle found in Ariz. pond
PHOENIX, May 27 (UPI) -- A 62-pound alligator snapping turtle was discovered in a pond outside the Phoenix Zoo, officials said.
The turtle, whose shell measures 17 inches by 24 inches, is non-native to Arizona, the Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.
"Yeah, he's a monster," said Russ Johnson, president of the Phoenix Herpetological Society, adding that the turtle was most likely was dumped into the pond because it was no longer wanted.
After the turtle's weight broke trapping nets, members of the Society towed the turtle out of the pond instead of risking having it capsize their boat, the newspaper said.
"Every year we team up with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Phoenix Herpetological Society to control the population of the pond. It is not an exhibit, but we want to make sure the turtles are safe and can find a new home," said Linda Hardwick, a staff member at the Phoenix Zoo.
The Phoenix Herpetological Society said it plans to create a tank for the turtle at its facility where it probably will be put on display, said Johnson.
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