Local authors and naturalists recently assisted in the release of an ancient snapping turtle back into its home habitat.
Matt Patterson, an artist and illustrator from New Ipswich who specializes in reptiles and amphibians, said he and Hancock author and naturalist Sy Montgomery of Hancock, have been assisting with the Turtle Rescue League of Massachusetts since this spring, in preparation for a future joint book project.
On July 8, both traveled to Marblehead, Massachusetts, to assist with the release of “Tortzilla” a 48-pound common snapping turtle that the Rescue League had been rehabilitating for the past month. After his treatment, he was returned to the 2-acre pond where he’s likely resided his whole life.
The turtle, estimated to be nearly a whopping 90 years old, was caught and brought to the Rescue League with fish hooks in his mouth and neck, which were causing an infection.
“He was very gentle and friendly, never snapped or anything,” Patterson said. “Which a lot of them are. A lot of them are surprisingly really gentle, though they have a bad reputation.”
The Turtle Rescue League helps rehabilitate turtles that have been injured by cars, rescues eggs, and provides resources for turtle pet owners.