Rock band capture amazing footage of turtle swimming in central Leeds waterway

A member of Leeds rock band Menace Beach captured the footage of the aquatic reptile.

There are a few species of terrapin present in UK waterways, according to the Canal and River Trust.

They say: "The most common is the red-eared terrapin, which although originally native to Britain around 8,000 years ago has returned, transported from the USA as pets during the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles cartoon craze of the 1980s.

"Today, these pets have grown to the size of a dinner plate and developed enough strength to break free of their tanks.

"Their subsequent, and irresponsible, release into the wild has prompted fears for the health of local wildlife, as well as the terrapins themselves who are ill-equipped to survive in the damp British climate."

Terrapins, along with tortoises and turtles, are known as Chelonians - reptiles with shells.

Some conservationists think the relative quiet of lockdown is having advantages for wildlife.

The Leeds Dock water taxi has suspended its operations due to coronavirus.

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