Snapping Turtle Found in Dead in Watertown from Rodent Poison

A large snapping turtle found was found dead near the bank of Charles River in Watertown, and the cause of death was determined to be from a rodent poison that prevents blood from clotting. The case is the first documented death of a snapping turtle by rodenticide in Massachusetts, according to a wildlife advocacy group.

The turtle was found in July and the veterinarian who determined the cause of death, Amanda Leef from Heal Veterinary Clinic in East Watertown, said it is unusual to see a turtle die in that way.

Leef has a wildlife rehabilitation license, and does work with Save Mass Wildlife to study sick and dead wildlife. anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. She said it is not uncommon to see animals such as hawks and coyotes die from ingesting anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning.