The Suffolk SPCA says a 25-pound alligator snapping turtle was found in the Nissequogue River in Smithtown.

It was found by a man and his son who were about to get into their kayak for a day of fishing.

The species of turtle is typically found from eastern Texas to the Florida Panhandle. Officials are trying to figure out how the turtle made its way to Long Island.

Roy Gross, of the Suffolk County SPCA, says it appears the alligator snapping turtle was dumped by someone who once had it as a pet. The SPCA says the person who dumped the turtle could face a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.

The SPCA says it will be holding an amnesty day on Oct. 10 where people who own dangerous exotic animals can turn them in without prosecution.

The turtle will be cared for at the Holtsville ecology center.