A 100-year-old alligator snapping turtle has gone missing in North Carolina after it was potentially stolen from a vehicle, its owner says.
The turtle’s owner, Dan Hemby, told ABC affiliate WTVD that he was on his way to take the reptile, which he named Thanos, to the Durham Reptile Expo on March 10 when he had a feeling something was wrong with his bright yellow , 140 -180 pounds, 38 inch pet.
He was driving on Interstate 40, about 30 minutes from his destination, after about a two-hour drive from Jacksonville, NC, when he had a feeling.
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When Hemby arrived at his destination, he went to pick up Thanos and realized that “all three straps were open and moved to the side and the bars were moved” in the container he was in.
Hemby said the last time he saw Thanos was when he stopped at a rest stop just outside of Benson, NC, and believes the reptile may have been stolen from the vehicle.
“He couldn’t bite the exit. I don’t think he could have gotten out hard, honestly, especially not with the three straps that were there,” Hemby said. “I think someone messed with him, I honestly don’t know what to think.”
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Hemby said that if Thanos fell out of the vehicle, he could potentially be scratched, but he probably survived as long as he landed on his feet and not his back. If he survived, he potentially headed for a nearby river if he found one.
State wildlife officials confirmed to local news that the alligator snapping turtle would have survived and headed for the water.
Hemby said he scoured the highway for blood and is also scouring nearby rivers for his reptilian companion.
“It’s almost like I’ve lost a part of me, to be honest with you,” he said.
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According to the National Wildlife Federation, alligator snapping turtles do not attack humans, but they could potentially bite.
“If you see him, let us know. Be careful. Don’t touch him,” Hemby pleaded. “He couldn’t get out as far as regular turtles or regular snappers. If someone stole them, just take him home or just make sure he’s safe.”
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Source: HIS Education