Wolf Turtle Found with Carapace Length Over 30cm
"Request Collection from Local Authorities if Found"
The invasive species known as the "neukdaegeobuk" (wolf turtle), which is known to be highly predatory and even bite humans, has been found in a river.
On the 10th, the YouTube channel "Jeongbeureu," which introduces exotic animals, posted a video titled "Isn't a neukdaegeobuk caught in a Korean river this big newsworthy?"
Jeongbeureu visited the site after receiving a report from a subscriber who caught a neukdaegeobuk while fishing in a river. The captured neukdaegeobuk was identified to have a carapace length of over 30 cm and weighed more than 10 kg.
When Jeongbeureu asked the informant, "Have you seen any other turtles while fishing?" the informant replied, "I have seen jara and namsaengi (native Korean turtles)."
Jeongbeureu explained, "There are native species like jara and namsaengi, but the mere presence of a neukdaegeobuk in the same area threatens the ecosystem," adding, "Since the neukdaegeobuk is a top predator, no one can kill or harass it."
He further advised that if a neukdaegeobuk is found, local authorities should be contacted to have it collected.
"Never approach with bare hands"... What kind of animal is the neukdaegeobuk?
The neukdaegeobuk is an animal imported from places like the United States and Canada, named for its long tail resembling that of a wolf. When fully grown, including head and tail, it can reach 80 to 100 cm in length, making it quite large.
The neukdaegeobuk is an indiscriminate eater and has a habit of biting large mammals, including humans, if it feels its territory is being invaded.
Jeongbeureu warned, "There have been cases in the U.S. where fingers were bitten off by neukdaegeobuk and alligator snapping turtles," emphasizing, "Never approach them with bare hands."
Due to its strong predatory nature and lack of natural enemies in Korea, the neukdaegeobuk was designated as an invasive species last year because of its significant ecological threat.
The Ministry of Environment operates a collection system anticipating many people will give up raising neukdaegeobuk, but abandoned neukdaegeobuk are still being found across the country.
Jeongbeureu expressed regret, saying, "When neukdaegeobuk are young, they are small and cute, so people probably adopted them, but it is unfortunate that they were irresponsibly abandoned."
Meanwhile, the principle is to dispose of neukdaegeobuk collected by local governments. However, it is reported that the neukdaegeobuk introduced in the video may be exhibited at an upcoming invasive species exhibition scheduled for autumn.
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