THE FOLLOWING CONTENT IS NOT PORNOGRAPHIC

For over a week the Chalet at the Ile de la Visitation Nature Park has been receiving reports of a Common Snapping Turtle with its intestines apparently hanging out from behind. In a very short time, the park regulars had affectionately named this Snapping turtle, Poutine. Although often reported, this snapping turtle proved difficult for park officials to find. I myself tried but came back empty-handed. Finally, we found the turtle and called Denis Fournier, Wildlife Management Technician for the City of Montreal. Poutine the Snapping Turtle was quickly captured and secured for veterinary care.

Poutine the Common Snapping Turtle with prolapsed penis at Ile de la visitation 2014-09-22
Poutine the Common Snapping Turtle with prolapsed penis at Ile de la visitation 2014-09-22

The appendage trailing behind the turtle was not his intestines, but his penis. The poor Snapping Turtle suffered from a prolapsed penis. Uncertain of the exact cause,  the prolapse of the penis could have been caused by parasites. Provided that the veterinarian can reinsert the penis, the condition is not very serious. If the condition is not resolved, the penis can get infected or bitten by predators. This could prove fatal for the turtle. In this case, the vet had to treat the penis for abrasions and irritations before reinserting it.

Poutine the Snapping Turtle being released into the wild by Denis FournierPoutine the Snapping Turtle being released into the wild by Denis Fournier

Fortunately Poutine the Snapping Turtle received veterinary care in time to prevent irreparable damage. He also received a cleanup having dozens of parasites such as leeches removed. The turtle has recovered well from his ordeal and Denis Fournier released him at the very same location he was captured.

Poutine the Snapping Turtle returning to the waters of the Montreal Back RiverPoutine the Snapping Turtle returning to the waters of the Montreal Back River

Snapping turtles are resilient, but their population is reduced to questionable numbers in the province of Quebec. If you find a snapping turtle that requires medical attention, please contact your local authorities. This will minimize the stress on the animal and protect yourself. A snapping turtle can inflict very serious bites and scratches.

Snapping Turtle with 2 foot long shell on the Island of MontrealSnapping Turtle with 2 foot long shell on the Island of Montreal

As much as a Common Snapping Turtle can have a shell of over 2 feet long and bite your finger in half, they can also be very small and hide in the mud on the banks of our rivers. A good reason to respect the banks and minimize human impact.

Common Snapping Turtle hidden in mud along the Montreal Back RiverCommon Snapping Turtle hidden in mud along the Montreal Back River

A big thank you to Denis Fournier for a quick and efficient response which certainly saved the life of this snapping turtle action.

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