Snapping turtle found in the Midlands

A fisherman hoping to catch carp, has pulled a giant alligator snapping turtle from water in the Midlands.

The two foot long reptile, which is normally found in the US, was pulled out of Earlswood Reservoir near Birmingham by 23 year old Steve Bellion from Solihull.

She weighs 25 kilo's and is 80 years old. It's believed that she was someone's pet but was dumped when she became too big.

She's now being looked after at West Midlands Safari Park.

Bob Lawrence, director of wildlife at West Midland Safari Park, said: "Thankfully alligator snapping turtles are a rarity in British waters - they can create havoc for native species."

"It's great the turtle now has a safe home. She appears to be in good health, and as we also have a male of the same species, we will be checking compatibility to ascertain the possibility of mating."

The alligator snapping turtle, North America's largest freshwater turtle, can weigh over 80kg and live to 160 years old.