What's Happening in Beaverton, OR…

A snapping turtle discovered in a Beaverton resident’s back yard has been rescued by Tigard’s House of Reptiles in Oregon. Just recently, Beaverton police called the reptile store, which has a permit allowing them to provide shelter and care for “invasive” amphibians and reptiles if they have been abandoned. The store agreed to take the snapping turtle, who now shares his new home with Charlie, an abandoned alligator.

The House of Reptiles opened in 2008 as a pet store selling amphibians and reptiles, in addition to care products. Since that time they have been asked to take in a variety of reptiles and amphibians, usually receiving around three calls each month. Along with Charlie, who was found in the bathtub of an apartment when the tenant had vacated the premises, they also have a Burmese python called Lola, who was discovered in similar circumstances, several snapping turtles, and more. According to the store owners, this highlights a lack of public knowledge and raises the issue of the cost of looking after rescued reptiles and amphibians.

The animals rescued are usually used for educational shows and the Venomous Reptile Museum. Educating the public, possibly using local flyer printing services, will hopefully reduce the number of people purchasing reptiles and amphibians without realizing that it is illegal. It has been against the law to keep snapping turtles in Oregon since 1996. Often, the store has to turn away animals due to a lack of funding and room, occasionally having to euthanize an animal. Sometimes, an animal can be rehomed with an owner who has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to provide a permanent home.