Snapping Turtle Found In Flower Bed Near Batavia City Hall Has Returned To Natural Habitat

BATAVIA, IL — A snapping turtle found Wednesday near Batavia City Hall has safely returned to its natural habitat, staff said.

Named Shellie, the snapping turtle was discovered in an elevated flower bed on the west side of the Batavia government building, where it remained for about an hour.

After it appeared that Shellie was headed toward Island Avenue traffic, a city staff member gently slid it onto a floor mat and used the rubber mat to transport the turtle to the west bank of the Fox River, where Shellie likely came from, according to a Facebook post.

"We're happy to report the turtle was safely returned to its natural habitat," officials said.

The city shared photos of the turtle on Facebook, prompting an increase in comments about the man appearing to pull the turtle by its tail.

"While it may appear that Shellie was being dragged by the tail, that was not the case," officials said in an updated post. "The staff member was simply repositioning the turtle on the mat so it could be safely carried to the river."