A turtle covered in graffiti. Volunteers from the Wildlife Center of Virginia found it on a campsite after the animal fell victim to a subspecies of an unscrupulous artist who vandalized its carapace, without thinking that the coloring of a turtle's shell was the result of millions of years of evolution.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
A turtle covered in graffiti. The volunteers of the Wildlife Center of Virginia on a campsite, after the animal had fallen victim to a subspecies of unscrupulous artist he had vandalized the carapace, without thinking about the fact that the coloring of a turtle's shell is the result of millions of years of evolution.
Nail polish and glitter used on the unfortunate specimen have seriously jeopardized its survival, making it a easy target for predators. "The turtles Terrapene carolina carolina they have this great natural camouflage that only allows them to blend into their environment. While the message of the painted carapace is "look at me, I'm here", explains Amanda Nicholson of the Wildlife Rescue Center.
Now those responsible are being sought, on the basis of the few elements available, such as le tag SKR e BDM, probably the initials of the authors, and the word "Sheldon", which could be the name given to the female turtle by the two vandals. The most serious consequences, however, will pay the poor Sheldon, who despite having been subjected to several washing cycles to remove the paint, it will probably never be able to return to the wild. Unless someone comes forward to tell his story and explain whether the specimen lived free or in captivity.
"We only ask for information on where the turtle was originally found (precise location would be better), how long has she been in captivity and if it was hosted with other turtles. If we are able to answer these questions, we may be able to release this turtle into its territory, ”concludes the Wildlife Center.
Native to the eastern United States, Terrapene carolina carolina is referred to as 'threatened' species of extinction. Each year, thousands of these reptiles are plucked from their natural environment to be sold. But this case clearly shows that some men's bad intentions can go even further.
Roberta Ragni
