SURREY COMET (UK) 04 August 06 Terrapin terrors
Stray terrapins have been spotted in the Hogsmill River in Kingston, causing concern among residents.
Carol Bryce, of Watersplash Close, is a close observer of the river wildlife and says the new arrivals could be eating ducklings in that patch of the river.
She said: "I've been watching a group of baby ducks recently, and since the terrapins have arrived, I can only spot half the number of ducklings."
Tim Abbott, of the Environment Agency, said terrapins could be vicious when they are in an unfamiliar environment: He said: "If these terrapins used to be pets, they are not used to conditions in the wild and may become vicious.."
He warned people not to remove the terrapins themselves.
Terrapins have been found in the Hogsmill River before. They are often bought as pets when tiny, and then discarded into the nearest lake or river when they grow big and become a handful.
But these particular terrapins are making the most of their summer home. "The big terrapin is always on a rock sunbathing!" said Mrs Bryce.
Terrapin terrors