Around Town

Snapping Turtle Found in Dead in Watertown from Rodent Poison

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The snapping turtle found dead from rodent poison. (Photo by Lauren Ulm)

A large snapping turtle was found dead near the bank of Charles River in Watertown, and the cause of death was determined to be from a rodent poison that prevents blood from clotting. The case is the first documented death of a snapping turtle by rodenticide in Massachusetts, according to a wildlife advocacy group. The turtle was found in July and the veterinarian who determined the cause of death, Amanda Leef from Heal Veterinary Clinic in East Watertown, said it is unusual to see a turtle die in that way. Leef has a wildlife rehabilitation license, and does work with Save Mass Wildlife to study sick and dead wildlife.

Police/Fire

Police Catch Two Alleged Home Invaders Hours After Breaking Into Watertown Home

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Police placed two male suspects for allegedly breaking into a Watertown home while wearing masks. The two male suspects, a 23-year-old and a 17-year-old, were arrested hours after a home invasion was reported, according to the Watertown Police announcement. “The invasion began after witnesses reported seeing two men wearing ski masks, possibly armed, force their way through the front door of a residence. Thanks to the hard work of our Detectives and the valuable assistance of the Lynn Police Department, both suspects were quickly identified and take into custody,” the announcement said. The statement added: “Our priority remains keeping Watertown safe, and we are grateful for the continued support of our community and our law enforcement partners.”

Entertainment

Watertown Man Competing in Finals of American Ninja Warrior

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Matt D’Amico will compete in the finals of American Ninja Warrior on Aug. 25. (Instagram Photo)

NBC will air the finals of the 2025 American Ninja Warrior competition, and Watertown’s own Matt D’Amico is one of the 32 finalists. D’Amico has competed in America Ninja Warrior in previous years, and also is a member of the Boston Celtics Dunk Team, according to his Instagram page. The athletes take on a course that challenges strength, speed, and agility.

Around Town

Construction Beginning Soon at Victory Field Oval, Courts Area

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The track, tennis courts and basketball courts at Victory Field will soon close until next year while Victory Field Phase II improvements are made. The City of Watertown sent out the following information. Construction at Victory Field is starting next week improve the track, grass field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more. These areas will be closed to the public while work in on-going. Victory Field’s multi-purpose turf field will remain open, as will the playground along Orchard Street.

Around Town

Health Department Received More Than 100 Rodent Complaints, Body Work Regulations Begin

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Watertown’s Health Department has received more than 100 complaints about rodents since the beginning of the trash strike. At their meeting the Board of Health also heard about the start of the City’s body work regulations, and approved a life science company’s permit. A short Board of Health Meeting on Aug. 20 concluded without any conversation about newly proposed tobacco regulations, but did see a permit approval and some general Health Department updates. Talks about the regulations did not progress as Board of Health member Kim Netter was recovering from a medical issue so was unable to vote, and member Dominic Amirtharaj was not able to attend the meeting.