‘Be Careful': Slow But Grumpy Snapping Turtles Are Showing Up in Garden City

Idaho is no stranger to wildlife. Even here within Boise city limits, we're used to seeing the occasional wild animal wander into town for a meal or a hang. Deer, Bears, and more large game creatures will stop by!

There are also new creatures being introduced to the Boise area wildlife scene

Then, of course, there is the new and recent addition of RATS to our area. Rats are pretty gross and they're being spotted all over town. Local officials are still working on finding out way to handle those.

Now, there's a new creature that the public is being warned about: snapping turtles.

Take a look at what these 'invasive' turtles are like, up close and personal before you spot one in the Boise area

There's something adorable about a turtle in books or on cartoons--but can we agree that these particular snapping turtles are a little ugly?

While we see turtles at the Zoo or at local reptile rescues, seeing snapping turtles this side on the Boise Greenbelt would likely come as a surprise to anyone.

It was the Mayor of Garden City, Bill Jacobs, that has warned the public of these things:

There have been several recent sightings of snapping turtles in Garden City, including this one from my neighbor. While they may look interesting, snapping turtles are not native to the @stateofidaho and are considered an invasive species that can negatively impact local fish, amphibians, and other wildlife.  Be careful, they do have a nasty bite! Thank you for helping protect the Boise River, our ponds, and local wildlife. Together, we can prevent invasive species from becoming established in our community.

The creatures are considered invasive because of how that can impact our waterways and the wildlife that is native to the area. Believe it or not, snapping turtles do quite well in the winter, too, so surviving in the Treasure Valley is not too difficult for them.

So what do you do if you see one? Call Idaho Fish and Game as soon as you can. They will be able to give you more instructions. You can contact them at: 1-877-336-8676

Officials ask that you don't release snapping turtles into the wild, if you have one that is captured or if you have one as a pet!