A FEARSOME “dinosaur-like” turtle capable of breaking off a child’s arm has been found in Britain.
The carnivorous alligator snapping turtle, known for the spikes on its shell, is native to Florida’s swamps.
The carnivorous alligator snapping turtle has jaws powerful enough to break through bone
Shocked Denise Chamberlain found this 10in creature beside Urswick Tarn, Cumbria, and used a shopping basket to retrieve it.
She took the freshwater reptile, which has jaws powerful enough to break through bone, to a vets’ in Barrow which is caring for the invasive species.
Local councillor Denise said: “It’s an item from the pet trade being dumped because an owner was unable to look after it.
“They are very dangerous.
“They can snap arms.”
The turtles, also found in South and Central America, can grow up to 31in long and weigh up to 14 stone.
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