BARNET AND POTTERS BAR TIMES (UK) 17 August 06 Turtle power: pond predator (Neeta Dutta)

Photo at URL below: Touch away: Snappy could be responsible for killing ducklings, a crime for which 16 innocent

A ferocious' snapping turtle, capable of severing a human finger, has been captured in Mill Hill pond, where he is believed to have been feeding on ducklings and small amphibians.

The foot-long creature was found in Sheepwash Pond, The Ridgeway, last week, raising the prospect that previous suspects in the ducklings' murder case - 15 terrapins deported to Tuscany in 2004 and a cat fish - were, in fact, innocent.

The baby turtle is carnivorous and, despite his tender years, his neck extends a foot away from his body as he searches for prey.

When fully grown, he could weigh up to seven stone.

Anglers spotted him last week and took him to Pond Life, in Finchley Nurseries, Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, where he has been named Snappy.

The manager, Laurence Bard, said: "He is very aggressive and ferocious. They are basically carnivores who eat everything from amphibians to ducks. They are scavengers and very dangerous. The anglers were lucky because he is more than capable of taking a finger off. "

Snapping turtles are native to Australia and North America and thrive in swamp land. Mr Bard said: "Usually he would have died during the winter but climate change could mean that we can now support species that otherwise would have died."

Snappy is not the first unwelcome guest at Sheepwash Pond; the terrapins were deported after a number of ducklings were killed, two years ago.

A catfish captured last year was then blamed for the deaths, but it is possible that Snappy was responsible.

It is likely that Snappy was bought as a pet and then dumped in the pond after he became too much of a handful. Mr Bard said: "It is totally irresponsible, we don't know how this has impacted the ecology and I would urge people not to dump their pets but call the vet or the RSPCA."

Snappy is currently awaiting collection by the RSPCA
Turtle power: pond predator

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