BEND, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife killed an alligator snapping turtle last week that had been reported by a fisherman in Prineville Reservoir.
The department says the snapping turtle is native to the Southeast but is an invasive species in Oregon. It may have been a pet that was released in the reservoir.
The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and can grow up to 250 pounds. It primarily eats fish but can also capture other animals such as ducklings. And, its bite is a safety hazard to people.
