UPDATE, 11/16: Turtles returned!
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Original Post: Do you know where your terrapins are? Turtle snatchers are on the loose in Humboldt!
Three of the four Logger Bar’s Eastern Box Turtles were stolen from their tank around 10 p.m. last night in Blue Lake.
The turtles are locally renown for their monthly races at the Logger Bar.
Bar owner Kate Martin told the Outpost that security cameras caught two young women removing Yertle, Make It A Double and Winkle from their vivarium. Martin said the turtles face serious health risks if they are not returned.
“We really take care of them,” Martin said. “They’ve never lived outside of captivity and will die if let loose.”
Martin said there is an extensive list of things the turtles need to stay healthy, including a dual climate system, organic fruits, vegetables, vitamins and proteins, and fresh water twice a day.
One of the turtle snatchers was also captured on camera buying turtle stuff with a credit card at Arcata Pet Supplies.
In a public statement emailed to the Outpost, Martin said she has tracked down the identity of one of the suspects, and that she has until midnight tonight to return the turtles before legal action is taken.
“To the ladies who stole our turtles - Please know that, first and foremost, we are gravely concerned about the welfare of our turtles. They were born and raised in captivity and cannot survive in the wild. They require a climate controlled environment, a specific diet, supplemental vitamins, and limited handling. In the absence of these specifications, you are putting their lives at risk,” Martin said in the email. “The vivarium where they live is a costly item essential to their care and survival. Secondly, stealing pets is a criminal offense. We have your photos. You are on camera taking the turtles. You have until the bar closes tonight (midnight @ Sunday, November 15) to safely return our turtles before we pursue legal action. We deeply care for them and are shocked and saddened by your thoughtless actions. Do the right thing.”
PREVIOUSLY: At the Logger Bar Turtle Races (PHOTOS/VIDEO)