TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Miaoli Animal Care and Health Office (苗栗縣動物保護防疫所) announced Tuesday (Nov. 20) that they recently sheltered a common snapping turtle, adding that if no owner claims it, the office will open the turtle for adoption on Nov. 22. According to the Central News Agency (CNA), the turtle, an aggressive invasive species, was found in Zhunan Township and temporarily housed after residents alerted the police.
Chang Chun-yi (張俊義), the office's director, noted that this is the first time they have sheltered this species, although they have previously taken in rare animals like silver foxes and meerkats. The turtle, native to the Americas and one of the oldest living reptiles, measures approximately 25 cm in length and 20 cm in width, suggesting it was lost by its owner.
Lin Jen-chien (林仁建), a section head of the office, emphasized that if abandoned in the wild, the turtle could significantly impact Taiwan's native freshwater ecosystems. Adoption conditions require proof of previous experience or completion of animal protection courses, along with evidence of adequate space for the turtle.
Under the "Animal Protection Act" (動物保護法) regulations, if the owner does not reclaim the turtle within seven days, the adoption process will proceed at 11 a.m. on Nov. 22, with a lottery held if more than two individuals are interested. As the deadline approaches, the office encourages qualified individuals to prepare the necessary documentation to ensure responsible adoption.