This is the moment a ferocious alligator snapping turtle capable of biting off human fingers was captured after terrorising children in a park lake.

The giant reptile – normally found in the USA – was discovered preying on local wildlife in Mentrida, in the province of Toledo in central Spain.

Experts believe it was originally a privately-owned pet that was abandoned when it grew too big and dangerous for its frightened owner.

It was given the fearsome nickname of Satan Turtle for its hyper-aggressive nature and immensely powerful jaws, which can take off a man’s fingers in a single bite.

The huge creature was spotted lurking in the undergrowth of the lake’s banks by teenagers, according to officials.

Experts say the breed (Macrochelys temminckii) can grow to an astonishing 114 kilogrammes (250 lbs) although this specimen tipped the scales at a more modest 25 kilogrammes (55 lbs).

This creature was scooped up by Spain’s Nature Protection Service – or SEPRONA – of the Civil Guard after gobbling up huge quantities of fish in the lake.

Video footage of the capture shows how experts lured the turtle to the bank with food and then ambushed it with a net.

One brave wildlife expert grabbed its shell from behind wearing thick protective gloves while keeping out of the way of its constantly snapping jaws.

The footage obtained by Newsflash from Safari Madrid shows the astonishing speed of the turtle’s attack as it shoots its neck out from its heavily armoured shell trying to bite one of the wildlife officers

Jennifer Cabrera – a veterinarian at Safari Madrid animal park- said the turtle is recovering in their care.

She explained “He has a very strong bite. One of the most powerful in the animal kingdom.”

A Safari Madrid spokesman told Newsflash the turtle is a male and added: “At the moment the turtle remains in our facilities.

“When SEPRONA proceeded to read the microchip and they verified that it did not have it, it prevents us from locating the owner of the animal.

“It is probably from an individual who has decided to get rid of it.

“This operation should serve to make people aware of the responsibility of acquiring both domestic and exotic pets, in addition to the danger of releasing them in a habitat that is not theirs, since it is an invasive animal with a high capacity for adaptation.

“The fines are very high as it is considered an attack against the local flora and fauna.”