Parish councillor Denise Chamberlain donned three pairs of builders’ gloves to rescue the creature, later dubbed Fluffy by vets.
Ms Chamberlain said she worried she might “lose a finger” to the animal which can grow up to 80kg (12st).
Her fears were not unwarranted, with vet Dr Dominic Moul confirming Fluffy was capable of a “nasty bite” and could have eaten through anything if not rescued.
After a week in the care of Wild Side’s team, Fluffy is about to move to a specialist reptile centre.
Dr Kate Hornby said the turtle has not been eating since arriving at the clinic, “potentially because it is in a state of hibernation due to the colder UK climate”.
She added: “It was quite muddy when it came in. It could have been there for some time and effectively hibernated.
“The tarn would not have reached the temperatures it would be used to and would need.”