SAFETY Bay resident Bernie Whitworth had an unusual visitor recently.
“We had quite a surprise when we opened our front door and found that a mature Fresh Water long necked turtle had taken up residency in our entrance,” he said.
“He or she appeared to have just awoken from hibernation for it still had soil clinging to it.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I gave some thought of what to do with it and decided to release it in the nearby fresh water lake between Hawker Street and June Road.
“Placing it in a clean plastic bucket had the effect of making it very active.
“A wet towel calmed it down for the short trip to the lake.
“Placing him or her near the edge of the lake it made a dash for the water and was last seen swimming strongly away.”
Mr Whitworth has lived in Safety Bay for 31 years and said it was the first time he had seen a mature long necked turtle.
“That they are thriving makes me very optimistic for their future,” he said.
MORE: Four facing drug and weapons charges after raids on homes
MORE: Mum of two’s second bout with breast cancer inspires pink high tea fundraiser