Vic: Exotic reptiles seized by Victorian authorities

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2005
Vic: Exotic reptiles seized by Victorian authorities

By Kate Williams

MELBOURNE, Aug 25 AAP - An aggressive turtle with the ability to devour a human hand
in a single bite doesn't sound like the ideal pet.

But the turtle was among 22 exotic reptiles brought into Australia as pets to have
been seized by Victorian authorities in the past 24 hours.

The animals were found in houses and businesses in suburban Melbourne and regional
Victoria following a year-long Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) investigation.

DSE spokesman Keith Larner said the reptiles, which included Californian king snakes,
corn snakes and red-eared slider turtles, all from the US, posed a risk to Australian
wildlife.

He said the discoveries included a common snapping turtle, a North American reptile
which could grow to nearly 50cm in length and weigh up to almost 40kg, had powerful snapping
jaws, a sharp and horny beak and a long tail.

"The common snapping turtle is an odious creature," Mr Larner said.

"Establishment of the species here would be bad news for Australian wildlife.

"This turtle eats almost anything - plants, fish, frogs, insects, snakes, ducks and
even small mammals.

"It is aggressive if disturbed on land and has even been known to attack people."

Mr Larner said there was a big illegal trade in reptiles in Victoria.

He said people liked to have them as pets because they were often colourful and attractive.

The keeping of exotic reptiles was a federal and state offence and offenders faced
up to five years jail or a $110,000 fine, he said.

Mr Larner said he did not know what would become of the seized animals, saying discussions
were being held with zoos and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Charges would be laid in relation to the seizures, Mr Larner said.

AAP kw/mp/drp/de n

KEYWORD: REPTILES (PIX AVAILABLE)

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