Two marsh turtles, native to China, have been spotted in Boston in recent weeks. Experts have warned that the turtle species can thrive in the area and can cause havoc to the environment.

The turtle is considered as a delicacy in China. Aquatic experts believe that somebody may have released the turtles after changing their mind on eating them.

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They issued a plea to people in the area to alert authorities if they encounter the animals, which can be distinguished due to their distinct features and soft shells. Animal experts also advised people not release wild and exotic animals that are not native to the New England state. Such actions are risky and can spell disaster to other animals and plants in the local area.

The Chinese marsh turtles were first spotted on a beach in Boston by a passersby. Local animal experts took them in to first determine their species. It was later found out that they were not native to Boston or anywhere in the United States.

Many animals released in unfamiliar environments usually can not cope with their new surroundings and tend to die out. But New England Aquarium spokesperson Nigella Hillgarth said that the turtle is a hardy creature that can thrive in the state's weather, even in winter. The particular turtle is a voracious eater that can potentially wipe out the local population of small aquatic animals and insects. It was New England Aquarium's veterinarian chief Doctor Charlie Innis, who correctly identified the species.

According to Hillgarth, the turtle is native to East Asia, where it lives in briny-like waters. Only a few are left in the wild, but several hundred million are domestically raised and harvested by commercial raisers every year. The Philippines has already reported that the foreign turtles' numbers are growing in the country. They have also established colonies in other parts of the United States such as California and New York.

The marsh turtle has been described as "peculiar" in looks, largely because if its elongated snout and pointed face. It also has a green to brown color. The shell is soft and looks like leather. The length can ranged from around 18 to to 38 centimeters.

Tagsmarsh turtle, East asia turtle, soft shelled turtle, long snout turtle, boston turtle invaion, chinese turtle, exotic turtle, New England Aquarium, turtle delicacy, chinese turtle invasion