When a local resident in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province spotted a strange-looking turtle, he knew the animal was special. 

It has a big triangular head, a hooked beak, a flat chest and a long tail.

It turned out that is was a big-headed turtle, a state-protected species. It usually lives in mountainous areas, so experts believe its appearance in an urban area suggests it might be a kept animal that somehow wandered off from its owner.

The turtle is under class II state protection and is currently at a wildlife rescue base in Guangzhou. Staff at the base said they are assessing the turtle's conditions and will choose a place to set it free.

(Cover image via VCG)

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