They seem slow, almost motionless, but a few moments are enough for them to transform into extremely dangerous animals. On the northern coast of Rome, alarm is growing over the presence of the Chelydra serpentina, known as the snapping turtle, an invasive alien species native to North America which in recent years has been appearing more and more often in Lazio.
The latest findings come from the Torre Flavia Nature Reserve, between Ladispoli and Cerveteri, where two new specimens were identified within a few days of each other. The first sighting apparently occurred during an environmental initiative organized in the protected area. While recovery operations were underway, a second turtle was noticed not far away, along a path frequented by fishermen and visitors. The close presence of the two reptiles immediately rekindled the experts’ concerns, especially since these are no longer isolated incidents.
An aggressive species with a very powerful bite
The Chelydra serpentina is considered one of the most aggressive turtles in the world. It has a massive body, a long serrated tail and above all an extremely powerful jaw. The real danger, specialists explain, is the speed with which he can stretch his neck and strike.
The ethologist Andrea Lunerti, who has been involved in the recovery of these animals for years, recalled that over 25 specimens have already been intercepted in the Roman territory in the countryside, suburbs and urban areas.
Among the most impressive cases is that of a giant turtle found some time ago in a condominium fountain in the Monteverde neighborhood. According to Lunerti, the animal had a carapace of about 65 centimeters and was theoretically capable of detaching a human phalanx with one bite. For this reason, authorities and environmental associations insist on one point: you should never approach, touch or attempt to capture these reptiles yourself.
View this post on Instagram
The most disturbing hypothesis: they could already reproduce in Lazio
However, the fact that worries researchers the most concerns another aspect. The presence of specimens of different sizes in the same area suggests that some turtles may have been born directly in nature. According to experts from the Torre Flavia reserve, the new specimens could be descendants of a large female recovered years ago in the same territory.
If confirmed, this hypothesis would transform the phenomenon from a simple consequence of illegal abandonments to a true stable colonization. The species, in fact, has practically no natural predators in Italian territory and competes with native turtles, altering the balance of the ecosystem.
To combat its spread, capture systems such as basking traps, floating platforms used to intercept animals when they emerge from the water to sunbathe, are already being tested. At the same time, genetic studies and specific monitoring will begin to understand the origin of the specimens and the possible presence of a stable reproductive population in Lazio. In the meantime, the message remains very clear: in the event of a sighting, you must keep your distance and contact 112 immediately.
You might also be interested in:
