Freed pet lurks in lake

Posted : 14-09-2007

A turtle-like creature has been discovered in a Hampshire lake, it has been reported.

It is thought by experts that the animal is most likely to be a red-eared terrapin, which was made popular during the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles craze in the 1990s.

Red-eared terrapins can grow to the size of a dinner plate and will eat fish, birds and frogs, according to the Hampshire Daily Echo.

The publication states that a number of the animals were released into the wild after outgrowing their accommodation as ill-prepared owners did not realise how big the creatures could become.

If pet owners do not consider the specialised needs of exotic animals such as terrapins or tortoises - as well as taking out comprehensive pet insurance - they could face expensive veterinary bills.

Last month, Jaimie Tait from Comely Green Place Aquatic Centre told the Scotsman that tortoises require specialist care and attention and recommended that people thinking of buying them should carry out proper research before purchasing one as a pet.


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