Fly River turtles, or pig-nosed turtles, have unique traits like bulging eyes and a distinct snout that set them apart from typical Canadian turtles. This particular one seemed to have been alone for several months. Experts at Reptilia, a reptile zoo facility, report that situations like this are frequent: exotic pets being released into nature when their owners can no longer care for them. RELATED: This can be a deadly time for one of Canada’s ‘most endangered’ wildlife groups Locals Rick (left) and Heather Kennedy (right) were the first to see the endangered turtle on Wasaga Beach. (Source: Leigh Hendricks/provided) “It has significant damage to its shell,” shared Ashley Maika, Community Engagement Coordinator at Reptilia, who helped treat the turtle. “It had zebra mussels coating its skin all over the top and bottom. And she’s underweight, so she’s been out there for quite some time.” Letting exotic pets go into the wild can create major risks for both the animal and local wildlife. “[Owners of exotic pets] can’t find a home for them, and they do the next thing that they think is best, and they send it outside,” she added. “It’s no longer their problem. Unfortunately, it is sealing their fate. Without human intervention, they won’t make it through the winter.”
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