EVENING POST (Bristol, UK) 29 March 11 Turtles abandoned in Portishead lake may not survive, warns wildlife expert
Turtles have been spotted swimming in the lake at Portishead Lake Grounds.
The two turtles, which are a greeny, brown colour with green and yellow stripes on their head, were spotted swimming to the edge of the lake by local residents.
Their appearance was reported to the owner of the Lakeside Cafe, Steve Coles, who is now trying to ascertain what sort of species the turtles are.
It is believed the turtles may be the yellow belly slider species and may have been dumped in the lake by someone who no longer wanted to keep them as pets.
Mr Coles, who has run the cafe for the last six years, said: “The turtles were about eight to 12 inches long and were swimming up to the side of the lake.
“A local resident spotted them and came in to tell me they were in the water.
“I got them out and put them on the grass, but they scarpered and got back into the water and they seemed quite happy to stay in there.”
Mr Coles, 48, thinks there may be more than two of the turtles in the lake and also suspects they were dumped at the beauty spot by someone who didn’t want them anymore.
He added “I am concerned that these turtles will be able to survive in the lake and I am keen to find out what species they are..”
Avon Wildlife Trust spokeswoman Pat Ellingham said: “There has been a history over the years where turtles and terrapins were brought as household pets and then when their owners found it difficult to look after them, they ended up being dumped in lakes and rivers.
“These turtles are unlikely to survive in this environment as it is not their natural habitat. They also have an impact on the native species in the lake as they will eat wildlife such as the fish.
“There are organisations which deal with rehoming turtles and terrapins and I would urge people to contact these groups if they need assistance.”
If anyone has information about the turtles they should call into the Lakeside Cafe and ask for Mr Coles.
Turtles abandoned in Portishead lake may not survive, warns wildlife expert