Reservoir angler lands giant turtle

An angler fishing for carp at a reservoir got the shock of his life when he landed a giant North American turtle.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Jul 2010, 21:37 BST

Updated 9th Jul 2010, 21:37 BST

The 25kg (55lb) alligator snapping turtle, around two feet long, was snared by Steve Bellion, 23, at Earlswood Lakes near Solihull, West Midlands.

The creature, which has been rehomed at West Midland Safari Park in Worcestershire, is thought to have been a pet which was dumped after becoming too big.

British Waterways said the turtle was caught in Earlswood's Engine Pool, where Mr Bellion fishes regularly. It is believed the animal, thought to around 80 years old, has been biting through anglers' lines and preying on wildlife for around a decade.

The reptile, previously mistaken for an alligator, has escaped after being caught by anglers on previous occasions.