An invasive alligator snapping turtle was found at Juanita Beach Park and removed by the lifeguard supervisor.
KIRKLAND, Wash. — An invasive snapping turtle was found last week at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland.
The alligator snapping turtle, which is the largest freshwater turtle in the U.S., was located under the dock at the park. The lifeguard supervisor removed it, Kirkland Parks and Community Services said Monday in a Facebook post.
Alligator snapping turtles are considered an aquatic invasive species in Washington state, and they are prohibited, which means they cannot be bought, sold or possessed.
They are distinctive because of their size – males can grow up to 29 inches and weigh up to 249 pounds; females can grow to 22 inches and up to 62 pounds. Their shells have three rows of spikes on them, and they have long tails with webbed toes and long, pointed claws. Their eyes are surrounded by pointed projections.
“While they may look interesting, snapping turtles are invasive and can be aggressive,” Kirkland parks said. “Their powerful jaws can cause serious injury, so if you see one, please keep your distance and alert a lifeguard or park staff.”
A species is considered invasive if it has spread beyond its native range and threatens the environment, economy and human health. Alligator snapping turtles are historically found in the southeastern U.S.
Alligator turtles can be mistaken for the common snapping turtle, which is also considered an invasive species in Washington. A common snapping turtle was recently spotted in the Pend Oreille River in Newport, Wash. Wildlife managers aren’t sure how the common snapping turtle got into the Pend Oreille River, but they are hopeful it is the same turtle a swimmer reported last summer upstream in Idaho.