THE AGE (Melbourne, Australia) 05 July 07 Man faces beak over turtle (Lorna Edwards)

It may well be Victoria's ugliest pet, with a matching temperament.

The American alligator snapping turtle, which grows up to a whopping 60 kilograms, is considered both a threatened and threatening species.

"They are very prehistoric and aggressive, and when they reach full size they will take your hand or foot off," said a Department of Sustainability and Environment senior wildlife investigator, Keith Larner.

A Hawthorn East man is expected to appear in court today on Commonwealth and state charges, after an alligator snapping turtle was allegedly found in his house in a raid last year.

There were also a native shingleback lizard and bearded dragon. The man is accused of possessing them without a permit. The charges against Yudhishira Prasetyo carry a maximum fine of $105,000 or 10 years' jail for the alleged importation of the young turtle.

Gator snappers, as they are nicknamed in the US, hit the headlines in Sydney seven years ago when one was found living in a sewer.

It was believed the 40-kilogram turtle had lived in the sewers for 21 years after being stolen as a baby from a wildlife park.
Man faces beak over turtle

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