Data from the second millennium BC reveals that a thigh bone belonging to a dinosaur, the largest animals to walk the earth, is making rounds again in Cumbria, England, but this time in a peculiar form.
A spine-covered beast, humorously named Fluffy by its rescuers, has been seen roaming the scanty ponds of the England landscape. Originating from various corners of the globe and embodying an intimidating bite that could result in the loss of a limb, this entity is far from its fluffy namesake.
Continue reading to explore why this relic poses a persuasive threat to the delicate ecosystem of a Cumbria-based lake.
Merely a week ago, a lady and her pet embarked on an ordinary stroll along the shores of Urswick Tarns, an area renowned for its rich limestone deposits coupled with diverse wildlife. Their excursion took an unexpected turn when they encountered this strange, spine-laden creature.
The befuddled walker seized the opportunity to capture this extraordinary sight on her camera and put up the click on social media, awaiting a possible explanation.
The public post caught the eye of Denise Chamberlain, a local councilor with previous residential experiences from Florida. She immediately identified the lurking animal as a dangerous predator capable of inflicting a “harsh bite.”
Chamberlain’s foresight led her to the rescue of the abandoned turtle. Evolving from the desire to protect the small town from the creature that carries the ability to chew through bone with ease, Chamberlain treads the path of the saviour.
2.0: Origins and Rescue Mission
Naturally residing within the dense swamps and flowing rivers of South and Central America, and the southern U.S., these turtles have a lifespan exceeding a century and weigh up to 200 pounds.
Concerned about its invasive nature, Chamberlain decided to save the lake’s fragile ecosystem from a predator without any natural enemies. She expressed her fear around its potential to wipe clean all wildlife from the lake due to its indiscriminate consumption of local fauna.
Alligator snapping turtles have never fallen prey to Chamberlain’s rescue adventures, and so, she prepared for it with extreme caution. Equipped with safety gloves and a shopping basket, she ventured into the unclear depths of the water.
Chamberlain found the turtle lying still in the shallow, half-submerged, soaking up the sun rays, appearing similar to a small dinosaur from the prehistoric age.
The cold temperature of the water made the turtle sluggish and subsequent capture easier. However, the turtle didn’t fail to warn off its captor by displaying its powerful jaw.
3.0: Responsible Pet Ownership
Having a feast on raw chicken, Chamberlain sought professional help in relocating the turtle from Wild Side Vets in Barrow-in-Furness.
Claiming it to be their first such experience, the owner of the clinic, Dr. Kate Hornby, emphasized the turtle’s skills in inflicting a deep bite, although its current size doesn’t deem it as significantly dangerous.
The veterinarians believe that the alligator snapping turtle was deserted in the wild. The pet clinic encourages pet owners to approach them if they face difficulty in managing their pets, assuring them of total confidentiality and utmost assistance.
4.0: Quintessential Fluffy
Undetermined whether to address the turtle as ‘he’ or ‘she’ due to its size, the vets jokingly named it ‘Fluffy’.
Sharing thoughts on the turtle’s new name, Chamberlain referred to Fluffy as a creature from the Harry Potter fantasy world. The turtle and the rescue mission received amusing responses and votes of encouragement from the local community on social media.
Thankfully, Fluffy was found at the right time and placed under the surveillance of caring hands. It is being relocated to a wildlife centre in Cornwall, where Fluffy can experience the most suitable conditions.
Adopting a pet is equivalent to inviting a new family member home. Therefore, it is essential to make thoughtful decisions, remembering that quick growth spurts are a part of their lifecycle.
Let us hear your thoughts on the infamous Fluffy and this incredible rescue mission that has stolen the spotlight in the small town of Cumbria, England!
