Enormous bite force Sewer workers discover dangerous giant tortoise

Strange discoveries aren't uncommon during sewer work. But what the workers discovered during one such operation in Kellinghusen sends shivers down their spines. A common snapping turtle is hiding in the mud and garbage, and they're not to be trifled with.

Workers encountered a giant, dangerous turtle in a canal in Kellinghusen, northern Germany. The twelve-kilogram common snapping turtle, which was discovered during a shaft cleaning, was almost certainly released into the Stör River, according to Christian Erdmann, station manager of the Wildlife and Species Conservation Center in Sparrieshoop. He took the animal into his care – and gave it a name: Gabi.

"There is a nationwide ban on keeping these dangerous turtles," Erdmann said. Almost exactly a year ago, a walker in Baden-Württemberg discovered such a reptile on a field path. Police subsequently warned of caution around common snapping turtles. Due to their powerful bite, they are potentially capable of injuring humans and animals.

Basel Zoo writes: "Their jaws are so strong that they can bite through a broomstick. A human finger would be about as much of a challenge for their jaws as a pretzel would be for ours."

Good Food
The North German Wildlife Center has a secure pond enclosure for exotic aquatic turtles, the station manager said. Gabi can stay there until she is adopted. She is in good health. "Who knows how long she's been living in the Stör. There's plenty of food there" - such as fish, crabs, snails, and ducks.

Vulpine turtles are among the largest freshwater turtles, with shells measuring 60 to 70 centimeters and weighing up to 100 kilograms. They resemble creatures from prehistoric times. Their carapace is bumpy, and they have skin appendages on their necks and heads. Their jaws are hooked, and their tail, almost as long as their body, resembles that of a crocodile.