A reporter saw an alligator snapping turtle smoking at a resort near Changchun. It was leisurely puffing on a cigarette, seemingly enjoying itself. Mr. Tang, the resort's chef, said that the turtle had accidentally learned to smoke a month ago and had become addicted, smoking more than ten cigarettes a day; otherwise, it would become restless and scramble around anxiously. Mr. Tang hopes someone can find a way to help the turtle quit smoking.
This turtle makes a "squeaking" sound when it doesn't smoke.
That noon, a reporter visited a large resort located in Group 8 of Tuanshan Village, Donghu Town, near the north bank of Shitoukoumen Reservoir, and saw an alligator snapping turtle larger than a washbasin. The turtle had a pointed head, resembling an eagle, fleshy spines on its neck, and a 14-piece, grayish-brown carapace resembling armor. The resort's chef, Mr. Tang, placed it on an electronic scale, which showed its weight as 8.6 jin (approximately 4.3 catties).
The owner of the resort bought this turtle at a high price in mid-May. After being identified by experts from Changchun Zoo, the large turtle was found to be an alligator snapping turtle, native to North and Central America, also known as the small alligator snapping turtle. It has been successfully introduced to China for artificial breeding in recent years and is famous for its robust and fleshy body, hence the name "meat turtle". It is a rare and precious turtle.
Yesterday (July 2nd) at noon, Mr. Tang, the chef at the resort, told reporters that a month ago, he noticed the alligator snapping turtle making low squeaking noises and ignoring its usual favorite live loach. Was the turtle sick? Mr. Tang, who was smoking at the time, picked up the turtle, turned it over, and found a chicken bone, about the size of a toothpick, embedded in its abdomen. Just as Mr. Tang tried to remove the bone, the turtle opened its mouth in pain, attempting to bite his finger. Quickly, Mr. Tang dodged the attack and simultaneously stuffed most of his cigarette into the turtle's mouth.
Surprisingly, the alligator snapping turtle started smacking its lips, and the cigarette butt began to smoke. Soon, only the cigarette butt remained. The next morning, Mr. Tang finished his work and sat down to light a cigarette. Just as he was puffing away, the alligator snapping turtle crawled over. Seeing the turtle at his feet, Mr. Tang lit a cigarette for it, and the turtle happily smoked again. After that, Mr. Tang would light a cigarette for the turtle every time he smoked. After sharing cigarettes with the turtle for a while, Mr. Tang felt his wallet was starting to strain. So he stopped letting the turtle smoke, but the turtle would still crawl to his feet and squeak, refusing to leave without a cigarette. When Mr. Tang tried to walk away, the turtle would chase after him or scurry around anxiously.
