Residents of Cumbria, England, were stunned when they spotted what looked like a prehistoric creature gliding through a small local lake. With its spiky shell and powerful jaws, the mysterious animal seemed straight out of the dinosaur age.
The creature—ironically nicknamed Fluffy by rescuers—turned out to be anything but soft or cuddly. Known for a bite strong enough to snap a finger, this ancient-looking reptile sent shockwaves through the quiet community.
The Unexpected Discovery
The story began when a local dog walker noticed something strange moving near the water at Urswick Tarns, a limestone-rich area famous for its wildlife. Curious, they took a photo of the odd, armor-plated animal and posted it on Facebook, hoping someone could identify it.
That post quickly caught the attention of Denise Chamberlain, a parish councillor from Urswick who had previously worked in Florida. Recognizing the creature instantly, she told PA Media (via The Guardian):
“I looked at it and immediately thought, ‘Oh goodness, I know what you are.’”
Her suspicion was right—it was a juvenile alligator snapping turtle, a species native to the southern United States, Central, and South America. These turtles can grow up to 200 pounds, live more than a century, and are notorious for their “nasty nip.”
A Delicate Rescue
Realizing the potential threat to the tarn’s delicate ecosystem, Chamberlain decided to act. The turtle, likely abandoned by a former owner, posed a danger to local fish and wildlife due to its predatory nature and lack of natural enemies in the area.
Armed with a shopping basket and protective gloves, Chamberlain waded carefully into the cold, murky water. “It was just sitting in the shadows,” she said. “It looked like a prehistoric little dinosaur.”
Thankfully, the chilly water made the turtle sluggish and easier to handle. “Because it was quite cold, it wasn’t too difficult to manoeuvre into the basket,” Chamberlain recalled—though she was careful to stay clear of its powerful jaws.
Safe at Last
After its rescue, Chamberlain took Fluffy to Wild Side Vets in Barrow-in-Furness, where the team gave the turtle food and a check-up.
Dr. Kate Hornby, the clinic’s owner, explained:
“It’s certainly the first one we’ve seen here. They can cause serious injury with their bite, but at this size, it’s not particularly dangerous.”
The vet believes the turtle was abandoned. “If you’re struggling to care for a reptile, please reach out to us in confidence—no judgment. We’ll do our best to help,” the clinic advised in a Facebook post, which also featured photos of the rescued reptile, estimated to be five or six years old.
A Fitting Name
The team affectionately named the creature Fluffy—a tongue-in-cheek reference to Hagrid’s three-headed dog from Harry Potter. “It certainly looks like a creature Hagrid would love,” Chamberlain joked.
Locals quickly fell in love with Fluffy online, flooding social media with supportive comments:
“Fluffy! What a name for such an unusual creature—so glad he’s safe,” one person wrote.
“He turned up at the right place to find the right people,” another added.
A New Home Awaits
Fluffy will soon be relocated to a wildlife facility in Cornwall, where it can live safely in proper conditions—far from the fragile ecosystem of Urswick Tarns.
As Chamberlain and the vets remind everyone: exotic pets may look fascinating, but they require specialized care. Abandoning them can endanger both the animal and the environment.
Please SHARE this story with friends and family — and remember: even the fiercest creatures deserve a safe place to call home.
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