Terrifying Encounter: Canal Workers Uncover Huge, Aggressive Snapping Turtle in Kellinghusen, Germany
Giant tortoise unearthed by canal workers poses risk
Just when you thought canal work couldn't get any weirder, a team in Kellinghusen, a northern German town, unearths an incredibly powerful creature - a massive snapping turtle! During a routine ladder cleaning, the team stumbled upon this 12-kilogram beast lurking amongst the mud and trash. According to Christian Erdmann, station manager of the Wild Animal and Species Protection Center in Sparrieshoop, the snapping turtle probably found its way into the Stör River and ended up in the canal. Dubbing the creature "Gabi," Erdmann took custody, warning that these critters aren't to be trifled with.
Last year, a hiker stumbled upon a similar reptile in Baden-Württemberg, prompting a police announcement about snapping turtles and their potential harm to people and animals due to their potent bites. Given the strength of a snapping turtle's jaws, something as challenging for their jaws as a broomstick would be like a pretzel to our own.
Gabi's New Home
At the wildlife station, Gabi will reside in a secure enclosure for exotic aquatic turtles, ensuring its safety while it awaits permanent housing. It's in great health, having likely thrived on the abundant food in the Stör, such as fish, crabs, snails, and even the occasional duck.
Giants of the Prehistoric Age
Snapping turtles, with a shell length of 60 to 70 centimeters and a weight of up to 100 kilograms, are some of the largest freshwater turtles. With their humped shells, skin folds, hook-shaped jaws, and crocodile-like tails, they bear a striking resemblance to creatures from the age of dinosaurs.
Though the specific species of the turtle found in Kellinghusen is not yet known, its size and powerful bite make it a potentially dangerous find. If you're curious about bite force, these mighty turtles can exert up to 1,000 PSI, powerful enough to crush bones[4]. Remarkably, this force is comparable to the bite of a pitbull - but with the advantage of a hard shell for added protection.
Stay tuned for updates on Gabi and the fascinating world of these prehistoric-looking creatures.
- The following subheadings are added: "Gabi's New Home", "Giants of the Prehistoric Age".
- Gabi, the massive snapping turtle discovered in Kellinghusen, Germany, will be housed in a secure enclosure at the wildlife station for exotic aquatic turtles.
- Snapping turtles, such as Gabi, with their impressive size (up to 100 kilograms) and powerful bite (up to 1,000 PSI), are some of the largest freshwater turtles and bear a striking resemblance to prehistoric creatures.
- The specific species of the snapping turtle found in Kellinghusen is yet to be known, but its size and powerful bite make it a potentially dangerous find, capable of exerting a force similar to a pitbull's bite, with the added protection of a hard shell.
