ANIMAL CURIOSITIES

Snapping Turtle, why can it be dangerous

An incredible story comes from Rome, where a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) was found in a private garden in Capena, a municipality on the outskirts of the capital.

It is an animal classified as dangerous to public health and safety, and in fact it is not possible for a private individual to keep one at home. Its bite is in fact very dangerous, the authorities warn, even capable of detaching fingers.

Now, it is thought that this animal is breeding on the outskirts of Rome, creating havoc among the authorities involved in managing the matter. The snapping turtle can indeed be very unpredictable and dangerous, especially if it comes into contact with children who have no idea how to approach it.

ANSA foto
Snapping turtle, why can it be dangerous
An incredible story comes from Rome, where a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) was found in a private garden in Capena, a municipality on the outskirts of the capital.
ANSA foto
Snapping turtle, why can it be dangerous
It is an animal classified as dangerous to public health and safety, and in fact it is not possible for a private individual to keep one in the home. Its bite is in fact very dangerous, the authorities warn, even capable of severing fingers.
ANSA foto
Snapping turtle, why can it be dangerous
Now, it is thought that this animal is breeding on the outskirts of Rome, creating havoc among the authorities who are busy dealing with it. The snapping turtle can indeed be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if it comes into contact with children who have no idea how to approach it and especially when it is out of water.
ANSA foto
Snapping turtle, why can it be dangerous
The dangerousness of this animal was also confirmed by a study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, which showed that the jaw strength of a snapper ranges between 208 and 226 Newtons, while that of a human's molars ranges between 300 and 700.
Pixabay
Snapping turtle, why can it be dangerous
It is normally found in North America, but its range extends from southern Canada to the central and eastern USA and from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. Its predilection is for stagnant or slow-flowing waters with a muddy bottom and rich vegetation. By now, however, it can also be found in lakes, rivers and swamps all over the world, including Rome, certainly not its home area.
Pixabay
Snapping turtle, why can it be dangerous
Snapping turtles are spreading in areas that are not natural to them as many private individuals buy them and then, tired, abandon them in meadows or forests. In Italy, in recent years, a lot of them are being found. For example, in 2022, a specimen was found in a building in Monteverde. The experts' warnings are not to try to catch it directly, in the event of an encounter, but to alert the appropriate local and forestry authorities.
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