-
Trains cancelled, drivers stranded, power cuts: impact of Storm Caetano in France
The north has been particularly affected
-
Temperatures to rise 10C or more: French weekend weather outlook November 23 - 24
Rainfall is expected in the north and Mediterranean
-
New bill proposes to outlaw use of small water bottles from 2027
A suggested law aims to eliminate mini plastic bottles to address ecological concerns and reduce plastic waste
Dangerous exotic turtles found in France
Unusual reptiles found along the Canal du Midi near Toulouse (Haute-Garonne, Occitanie) have been identified as dangerous alligator snapping turtles, with local residents advised to be alert.
The turtles were first spotted on May 4 along the banks of the canal at Ramonville-Saint-Agne (Haute-Garonne) by a family living on a canal boat. They reported three small turtles each around 3cm long to the police, who contacted the French office for biodiversity to identify them.
The police officer explained: “They had three rows of spikes clearly visible along their upper shells. The specialist quickly identified them as alligator snapping turtles.”
Alligator snapping turtles can weigh up to 100kg when fully grown, and have strong, spiked jaws that can cause serious injury. They are a carnivorous reptile, commonly found in North America.
It is thought the turtles found in France were released into the wild by humans.
Read more: Wild boar numbers spike in France due to confinement
Read more: Imperial eagle recorded for first time in Charente
Common snapping turtles also found
Police in the Haute-Garonne have since confirmed finding another exotic species, the common snapping turtle, roaming near a playground in the Parc de Cinquante, around 9 km from Toulouse.
The common snapping turtle, which is also carnivorous, can be dangerous to humans too.
In a Facebook post, local police wrote that the 25cm-long turtle “seemed a little scared, but could become fierce if disturbed and inflict serious injuries".
They also warned locals not to play with any reptiles they find in the area.
The turtle is now being looked after by the Zoo de Mescoules in the Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine).
Related articles:
Extra care needed on forest walks in France
Help to identify songs of birds in France
Join battle in France to stop butterfly extinction
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France