Discovered in Ofuna prefecture, a snapping turtle over 50 centimeters is currently in custody/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205210026/

May 21, 2012

The captured snapping turtle=Ofuna Police

A snapping turtle was discovered in the Sunaoshi River of Ofuna, Kamakura City. It's currently being protected by Ofuna's police as a lost and found item.

At around 4:30PM on the 19th, it's said that "An unusual turtle in the bottom of the river" was spotted. Passing neighborhood residents informed the police. Several officers arrived, using a net to capture it.

The length of the turtle's shell measured 34 centimeters, it's total body length measuring over 50 centimeters. On the 21st, the turtle was confirmed by the Shin E No Shima's Aquarium to be an invasive species.

In the situation that the owner does not come forward after several days, the turtle will be taken by the prefecture's animal shelter. It's forbidden to release invasive species outdoors. The police commented "If someone is doing such a thing, we would like them to stop."


Original text:
50センチ超のカミツキガメ保護、大船で見つかる/鎌倉
2012年5月21日

捕獲されたカミツキガメ＝大船署

鎌倉市大船の砂押川でカミツキガメが見つかり、大船署が拾得物として保護している。

19日午後４時半ごろ、「川の水底に変わった亀がいる」と、近隣住民が通りかかった警察官に通報。署員数人で網を用いて捕獲した。

亀は甲羅の長さが約34センチで、体長は50センチ以上。21日に新江ノ島水族館で確認したところ、特定外来生物のカミツキガメと判明した。

数日間持ち主の申し出がなかった場合、県動物保護センターに引き取られる。特定外来生物は、野外へ放つことが禁じられており、同署は「誰かが放したのだろうが、やめてほしい」と話している。