Community Corner
Arlington Family Keeps Snapping Turtle As Pet: Report
They thought it was a box turtle before the local animal shelter seized the critter.
ARLINGTON, VA -- An Arlington family took in a box turtle to be the new family pet recently -- only to find out that it was actually a snapping turtle.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington tweeted out a photo of the turtle, noting that their officers had seized the turtle from the unwitting family.
"It is illegal to keep wildlife as pets in VA," AWLA wrote.
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A quick reminder that snapping turtles are NOT pets! Our officers seized this turtle from a family who thought it was a box turtle and was keeping it in their home. It is illegal to keep wildlife as pets in VA. If you see wildlife in distress, please call our ACO's at 7039319241! pic.twitter.com/1eXq1Teidy
— AWLArlington, VA (@AWLAArlington) August 13, 2018
Despite their fierce reputations, snapping turtles avoid confrontations with humans, typically slipping out of the way if a swimmer approaches. However, snapping turtles are predators and they can become very aggressive if restrained. Their bite is powerful enough to mutilate fingers.
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
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