Huge endangered snapping turtle rescused from pond

An alligator tortoise, one of the first to be seen in the state, was found living in an Essex County pond after its owner abandoned it, state wildlife officials said.

“This is one of the first alligator fish to be found in the wild in Massachusetts, which means someone had it as a pet,” said Mike Jones, a herpetologist and amphibian with the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Endangered Species Program. Video posted by MassWildlife on social media.

It is illegal to keep alligator tortoises as pets in Massachusetts, wildlife officials said.

Trina Wantman, a freshwater turtle biologist, was contacted by local homeowners about the possibility of an alligator turtle in their pond, MassWildlife reported.

Wildlife officials said the 60-pound alligator was extremely lethargic due to cold water temperatures and was suffering from severe pneumonia.

“They’re not native to Massachusetts. They don’t do well in our environment,” Wantman said.

Wildlife officials said the alligator-eating turtles are native to Louisiana throughout Iowa, meaning they are accustomed to warmer waters.

Officials identified the turtle as an alligator fish because of the shape of its shell and its unique tongue that resembles a “worm-like lure,” Jones said.

The turtle was taken to the New England Wildlife Center to recover from pneumonia. Officials also hope to find out where the turtle came from, MassWildlife reported.

Jones said it is hoped the turtle will be returned to its “native range” to be part of conservation efforts.