Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 2:00pm

A 'mutant' shell shocker

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THESE images were not taken in some tropical land far away but were snapped right here in Clydebank.

They show a large turtle and, if genuine, prove that one or more of the creatures is thriving in the town's murky canal.

It is most likely a red-eared slider turtle, whose natural climate is in the warm southern states of America and who was the inspiration for children's favourites, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons.

This is due to red head markings which create a 'bandana' like those worn by the cult characters.

And it was this association that made them popular as pets during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

However, many were released into Britain's waterways as they grew too large for their owners to handle — and as they can live for up to 80 years, some are still there it would seem.

Photography student Ross Chandler, 21, who says he took these pictures in April last year, sent them in to the Post after more reported sightings recently emerged.

Ross, from Dalmuir, said the turtle in question was near the drop lock where the canal passes under Dumbarton Road, Dalmuir.

He said: "I had just bought a new lens and when I came home from college I was told there was a turtle at the canal. I ran up to see what it looked like and to try out my new lens.

"I would say it was about a foot across — it was quite large.

"It was lying there on a log just chilling — not worrying about anything. I thought it was someone's pet that had been thrown in but so many people say they have seen them that there must be more of them."

The turtles have reportedly been coming out of the water to bask and have been spotted near Whitecrook, where the canal passes under Argyll Road, and also near the Duntreath Flyover.

Olivia Lassiere, heritage and environment officer for British Waterways Scotland, believes the turtles will be red-eared sliders released into the water during the Ninja Turtle craze.

She said: "They live for about eighty years and have survived our harsh Winters quite happily.

"In warmer weather they are more visible and more active. They will come out and bask in the sun so there are likely to be more sightings this year than we have had in previous years."

Olivia would urge anyone who has seen a turtle on the canal to let British Waterways Scotland know about it so they can monitor them. If you want to report a sighting, visit www.waterscape.com/wildlifesurvey.

If you have any photographs of turtles on the canal, please email them to editorial@clydebankpost.co.uk.