Beakler

Beakler is a Common Snapping Turtle. He is estimated to be about 15 years old.

Beakler, and his buddy Figgy, were found by Park Staff at Salmonier Nature Park in Newfoundland in 2020. Common Snapping Turtles are not Native to Newfoundland, so park staff already saw red-flags when they found these two. It is suspected that they were once kept as pets and later released into the wild.

Beakler was not kept in proper conditions when he was in captivity as pet, because his shell is very round and scutes very pyramidal, suggesting that he did not get enough vitamin D and sun exposure. The constricted growth will take decades to correct.

Because we do not know where Figgy and Beakler originally came from, they are deemed non-releasable and joined the Turtle Guardians program in the Summer of 2020, after being flown to Ontario from NFL!

Since we don't know where they came from, Beakler and Figgy cannot be released into the wild. Turtles have a very low chance of survival after relocation because they are very connected to their original homes and may wander lost, stressed, not knowing where to overwinter, and them often cease to eat. 

Beakler’s full name is “Beakler Snacks the Rock Von Snappington”, the longest name of any of our teaching turtles. The Rock pays homage to the friends in NFL that found him.

Beaky is a bit more sedentary (lazy) and loves butt scratches. He lives for feeding day and his favourite treat is watermelon.