How to Safely Pick Up a Snapping Turtle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Snapping turtles, with their prehistoric appearance and powerful jaws, are fascinating creatures often encountered in and around bodies of water. While it’s generally best to observe them from a safe distance, there might be situations where you need to move one – perhaps it’s crossing a road, or you’re trying to help it avoid a dangerous situation. However, picking up a snapping turtle is *not* something to be taken lightly. They are capable of inflicting serious bites, and their long necks allow them to reach surprisingly far. This guide will provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to safely pick up a snapping turtle *only* when absolutely necessary and when other, safer alternatives are unavailable. **Remember, handling wildlife should always be a last resort, and prioritizing the turtle’s safety and your own is paramount.**
**Disclaimer:** *This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional wildlife handling advice. Always exercise extreme caution when dealing with snapping turtles, and if possible, contact your local animal control or wildlife rescue organization for assistance.*
**Before You Start: Assessing the Situation and Exploring Alternatives**
Before even considering picking up a snapping turtle, take a moment to assess the situation and explore alternative solutions. Ask yourself these questions:
* **Is it truly necessary to move the turtle?** Often, the best course of action is to leave the turtle alone. If it’s simply basking in the sun or traveling across land, it’s likely on a mission and knows where it’s going. Disturbing it can disrupt its natural behavior.
* **Can you redirect it without touching it?** Use a long object, such as a broom or shovel, to gently guide the turtle in the desired direction. Avoid poking or prodding it aggressively, as this will only stress it out and increase the risk of a bite.
* **Can you create a barrier to prevent it from entering a dangerous area?** If the turtle is heading towards a busy road, consider placing a temporary barrier, such as a piece of plywood or a traffic cone, to redirect it away from the danger.
* **Can you call for professional help?** If you’re uncomfortable handling the turtle yourself, or if it’s injured, contact your local animal control, wildlife rescue organization, or herpetological society. They have the expertise and equipment to safely handle and care for the turtle.
If, after considering these alternatives, you determine that you absolutely must pick up the snapping turtle, proceed with extreme caution and follow the steps below. Remember, safety is paramount – both for you and the turtle.
**What You’ll Need**
* **Heavy-duty gloves:** Thick leather gloves are essential to protect your hands from bites. Even with gloves, a snapping turtle can exert significant pressure. Look for gloves specifically designed for animal handling.
* **Sturdy boots:** Protect your feet and ankles from potential bites if the turtle attempts to lash out. Wear boots that provide good ankle support.
* **Appropriate clothing:** Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize exposed skin.
* **Optional: A blanket or towel:** This can be used to gently cover the turtle’s head, which may help to calm it down and reduce the risk of it biting. However, be extremely careful when approaching the turtle to place the blanket, as this is when most bites occur.
* **A container (optional):** If you need to transport the turtle a significant distance, a large plastic container with a secure lid can be helpful. Make sure the container has adequate ventilation. A garbage can can also work in a pinch. Make sure you can manage the weight of the turtle + container.
**Step-by-Step Instructions: Safely Picking Up a Snapping Turtle**
**Step 1: Approach with Caution and Observe**
* **Move slowly and deliberately:** Avoid sudden movements that could startle the turtle.
* **Observe the turtle’s behavior:** Watch for signs of aggression, such as hissing, lunging, or snapping its jaws. If the turtle appears agitated, give it some space and reassess the situation. Never approach a snapping turtle from the front.
* **Assess the environment:** Look for potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces or obstacles that could cause you to trip. Make sure you have a clear path to where you intend to move the turtle.
**Step 2: The Tail Method (NOT Recommended, but sometimes necessary for smaller turtles)**
* **Why This is Discouraged:** Grabbing a turtle by the tail is generally frowned upon because it can potentially damage the vertebrae in their tail. However, if the turtle is small enough (younger juveniles) and this is the only method available, it may be an option. This method is NEVER recommended for adult turtles.
* **Grip the tail firmly near the base:** Using your gloved hand, grasp the turtle’s tail as close to the base of the tail (where it connects to the body) as possible. A grip further down the tail creates more leverage and could cause injury.
* **Lift the turtle just enough to move it:** Do not dangle the turtle by its tail. Lift it only enough to clear the ground and move it to the desired location. Support the turtle’s body with your other hand if possible.
* **Immediately place the turtle down gently:** As soon as you’ve moved the turtle, gently lower it to the ground. Do not drop it.
**Step 3: The Shell Method (The Preferred Method)**
* **Position yourself behind the turtle:** Snapping turtles cannot easily reach behind them to bite. Approaching from the rear significantly reduces your risk.
* **Reach down and grasp the rear of the shell:** Using both gloved hands, reach down and firmly grasp the rear edge of the turtle’s shell. Position your fingers underneath the shell, with your thumbs on top for a secure grip. Avoid grabbing the sides of the shell, as the turtle may be able to reach around and bite you. The closer to the back you are the better.
* **Lift with your legs, not your back:** Keeping your back straight, bend your knees and lift the turtle using your leg muscles. Avoid twisting your body, as this could strain your back.
* **Keep the turtle away from your body:** Hold the turtle at arm’s length to minimize the risk of being bitten. Remember, snapping turtles have long necks and can reach surprisingly far.
* **Move the turtle to the desired location:** Carefully carry the turtle to the location where you want to release it. Keep a firm grip and maintain a safe distance between the turtle and your body.
* **Gently lower the turtle to the ground:** Once you’ve reached the release point, slowly lower the turtle to the ground. Avoid dropping it, as this could injure it.
* **Release your grip:** Once the turtle is safely on the ground, release your grip on its shell.
* **Back away slowly:** Give the turtle some space to move away and avoid startling it.
**Step 4: Using a Container (For longer distances or when relocation is required)**
* **Lure the turtle into the container (if possible):** Place the container in front of the turtle and gently encourage it to move inside. You can use a broom or shovel to guide it, but avoid forcing it.
* **If luring fails, carefully lift the turtle into the container:** Using the shell method described above, carefully lift the turtle and place it into the container. Be prepared for the turtle to resist.
* **Secure the lid:** Once the turtle is inside the container, securely fasten the lid to prevent it from escaping. Ensure the container has adequate ventilation to allow the turtle to breathe.
* **Transport the turtle carefully:** When transporting the turtle, avoid sudden movements or bumps. Keep the container level and secure to prevent the turtle from being injured.
* **Release the turtle in a suitable habitat:** Release the turtle in a safe and appropriate habitat, such as a pond, lake, or river with plenty of vegetation and hiding places. Avoid releasing it in areas with high traffic or human activity.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Snapping Turtle Size and Age:** Young snapping turtles are easier to handle than adults, but they can still bite. Adult snapping turtles are incredibly strong and have powerful jaws, requiring extreme caution. The tail method is only viable for small juveniles.
* **Never pick up a snapping turtle by its legs or head:** This can cause serious injury to the turtle.
* **Be aware of the turtle’s surroundings:** Avoid picking up a snapping turtle near busy roads, steep drop-offs, or other hazards. If the location is unsafe for you, it’s also unsafe for the turtle.
* **Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a snapping turtle:** Snapping turtles can carry bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans.
* **Respect the turtle’s space:** Even after you’ve moved the turtle to a safe location, give it plenty of space and avoid disturbing it.
* **They can bite even when submerged in water:** Be extremely careful if attempting to move one from a water source.
* **Snapping turtles are protected in some areas:** Check your local laws and regulations before handling or relocating a snapping turtle.
**Dealing with an Injured Snapping Turtle**
If you encounter a snapping turtle that appears to be injured, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Contact your local animal control, wildlife rescue organization, or a veterinarian specializing in reptiles. They will be able to assess the turtle’s injuries and provide appropriate care. When transporting an injured turtle, follow these guidelines:
* **Handle the turtle with extreme care:** Avoid causing further injury.
* **Keep the turtle warm and dry:** Place the turtle in a container lined with a soft towel or blanket.
* **Do not offer food or water:** Injured turtles may not be able to eat or drink safely.
* **Transport the turtle to a qualified professional as soon as possible.**
**Snapping Turtle Behavior and Ecology**
Understanding the behavior and ecology of snapping turtles can help you appreciate these fascinating creatures and avoid unnecessary interactions. Here are some key facts:
* **Snapping turtles are primarily aquatic:** They spend most of their time in water, foraging for food and avoiding predators.
* **They are opportunistic feeders:** Snapping turtles eat a wide variety of foods, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. They also scavenge on dead animals.
* **They are ambush predators:** Snapping turtles often lie in wait at the bottom of ponds or rivers, waiting for prey to come within striking distance.
* **They are long-lived:** Snapping turtles can live for several decades in the wild.
* **They play an important role in their ecosystems:** Snapping turtles help to control populations of other animals and contribute to nutrient cycling.
**Why Snapping Turtles Cross Roads**
One of the most common reasons people encounter snapping turtles is when they are crossing roads. There are several reasons why turtles do this:
* **Nesting:** Female snapping turtles often travel long distances to find suitable nesting sites. They may need to cross roads to reach these sites.
* **Searching for food or water:** Turtles may cross roads in search of food or water sources.
* **Finding a mate:** During breeding season, turtles may cross roads in search of a mate.
* **Establishing new territory:** Young turtles may disperse from their natal areas and cross roads in search of new territories.
**Alternatives to Picking Up Snapping Turtles Crossing Roads**
As mentioned before, it’s always best to avoid handling snapping turtles whenever possible. Here are some safer alternatives to picking up a snapping turtle that is crossing a road:
* **Gently guide the turtle across the road using a long object:** Use a broom, shovel, or even a branch to gently nudge the turtle in the direction it is heading. Be patient and avoid forcing it.
* **Place a temporary barrier to redirect the turtle:** Use a piece of plywood, a traffic cone, or any other available object to create a barrier that will prevent the turtle from entering the road. Guide it in the opposite direction.
* **Warn oncoming traffic:** If you cannot safely move the turtle or redirect it, warn oncoming traffic to slow down or stop. Use your hazard lights or wave your arms to alert drivers.
* **Contact local authorities:** If the road is too busy or dangerous to attempt to move the turtle yourself, contact your local animal control or police department. They may be able to assist with traffic control or provide other assistance.
**Legal Considerations**
Before handling or relocating a snapping turtle, it’s important to be aware of any applicable laws and regulations. In some areas, snapping turtles are protected species, and it may be illegal to handle or relocate them without a permit. Check with your local wildlife agency or department of natural resources for more information.
**Conclusion**
While picking up a snapping turtle might seem like a simple act of kindness, it’s a potentially dangerous undertaking that should only be attempted as a last resort. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize the risk of injury to yourself and the turtle. Remember to always prioritize safety and explore alternative solutions before attempting to handle a snapping turtle. When in doubt, contact a qualified wildlife professional for assistance. Respect these ancient creatures and appreciate them from a safe distance whenever possible. They are an integral part of our ecosystems and deserve our protection.