Mississippi wildlife officials rescue alligator snapping turtles from drainage

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) officials responded to a report of two alligator snapping turtles trapped in a lake drainage, according to agency sources.

Exotic Animal Program Lead Colt Mooney assessed the situation and safely removed the turtles. During handling, Mooney collected measurements and DNA samples for submission to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which supports ongoing research and conservation efforts.

Alligator snapping turtles are listed as a proposed threatened species. They have faced population declines due to overharvesting for meat markets, nest predation, illegal collection, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Because they grow slowly and reproduce later in life, their populations can take decades to recover, officials said.

Thanks to a prompt response, the turtles were returned to the wild. MDWFP encourages the public to report any illegal harvesting, bycatch, or threats to protected wildlife to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More information and tips can be submitted at https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips.

Source: Original Article