Alligator Snapping Turtle Found In Oregon, Euthanized- First Found In Region Of Invasive, Agressive Species

An alligator snapping turtle was captured by  an angler at Oregon's Prineville Reservoir.

The alligator snapping turtle was instantly euthanized, because the species is native to the southeastern U.S. and invasive to the delicate balance in the Oregon ecosystem.

"We euthanized it as soon as we got it back to the office," district biologist Greg Jackle told the Statesman Journal. "It's obviously a very large turtle that was not something that we've ever seen over here before."

The alligator snapping tutle is the first of its kind in the region-- the species has never been found in eastern Oregon before.

"People get these turtles when they are small and release them when they get too big and aggressive to keep as pets," Simon Wray, a conservation biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, noted. "It's a poor choice for a pet and the environment."

The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America, and can grow up to 250 pounds

"I'd hate to see these turtles get established in Oregon," said Rick Boatner, the department's invasive species coordinator. "We already have problems in the Willamette Valley with common snapping turtles."

Watch a video about the alligator snappig turtle below, and let us know what you think: