Photos and Video by Rick Racela
Lower Township Animal Control Officer Don Montgomery removed an 80 pound alligator snapping turtle from Fulling Mill Road near Villas April 25.
They are the largest fresh water turtle in North America and normally only nesting females will venture onto a road. The alligator snapping turtle is categorized as very aggressive when cornered and capable of a bite that will amputate a finger.
The alligator snapping turtle prefers minnows but will also eat dead fish, snakes and other turtles.
It is believed the turtles will live to 150 years old in the wild and 20 to 70 years in captivity. The alligator snapping turtle is considered endangered in several states including IIlinois.
Montgomery said he will return the turtle to a fresh water pond off Fulling Mill Road.
