Snapping turtles are native to North and Central America.
Although some are kept as pets, Evie Button, exotic pets expert at the RSPCA, said they should not be kept by those who are inexperienced in looking after reptiles.
“They need a lot of space and can be dangerous if handled incorrectly,” she said.
“Recreating their conditions – including environment, diet and behavioural requirements – can also be difficult and costly, and exotic pets often end up in our care, or others in the animal welfare sector, later down the line when people realise they’re not easy to care for, or once the novelty wears off.”
“We would urge anyone thinking of getting an exotic animal as a pet to do lots of research first to ensure that it is the right pet for them and that they are able to meet all of its needs,” she added.