A Giant 33lb Snapping Turtle Was Just Rescued from a Michigan Beach

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John VanZalen came across a giant 33lb snapping turtle that has been nicknamed  "Doug the Tank," while walking on the beach.

He snapped a picture of the uncommon sight and posted it to the Grand Haven Informed Facebook page in hopes that someone might know what to do with this lost snapping turtle.

The Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Sanctuary, known as MARS, saw VanZalen's post and after getting some more information were able to come to the beach to pick up "Doug the Tank".

How Did The Snapping Turtle End Up On The Beach

It's hard to say exactly how "Doug the Tank" found himself stuck on the Grand Haven beach because it's not its typical environment.

A snapping turtle is usually found near inland waterways, slow-moving rivers and ponds.

There's a chance that someone picked him up trying to help get him to the other side of the road, or with all the rain and flooding that's happened in recent weeks that carried him towards the beach.

What Should You Do If You Encounter A Turtle In The Wild?

If you see a snapping turtle you might want to just let it be, their  bite is strong enough to take off a finger if you get close enough.

Now if it's a regular turtle, MARS Executive Director Kayla Yarbrough told WZZM 13 this is what you should do.

If you see a turtle crossing the road, you should help him along in the direction that it was facing when you found him. Just help him get to the other side of the road and let him be on his way. Do not pick a turtle up by its tail.

 

Read More: 25 Things Michigan Is Known And Famous For