Snapping Turtle Handling

[JacksPythons]

Just the other day, I found an alligator snapper while out herping. Since he was right in the middle of an ATV trail and I heard distant motors, I opted to move him.

I lifted the turtle as my father had taught me, grabbing his tail and carrying him toward a nearby pond. Not five minutes later, my neighbor went roaring past on an ATV, so I was glad that I had acted. I was taking a few measurements of the turtle, so I hadn't left yet. His shell was roughly the size of a dinner plate.

With smaller turtles, I know how to handle them easily, but what about the larger turtles? I've heard since that carrying by the tail can hurt the turtles. That's the LAST thing I want.

In short, what is the best way to handle a snapper without you or the turtle being hurt?


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[Pyrate81]

Yes, grabbing/handling by the tail can hurt them. It can cause damage to their spines.

The best way described to me for handling a snapper or turtle which can extend its neck fully over its shell is by placing one hand under its plastron(bottom portion of shell) with your thumb on its carapace(top portion of shell) over the tail. Or hold them flat on your hand while using your other hand on top. Snappers and softshells have the ability to reach their tails straight back over their shells. Which is useful to ward of predators and helps flip themselves over when they end up on their backs.
For larger and heavier turtles, I've only seen on tv where they grab them by the front and back of the carapace like you would a chainsaw and carry them that way. My guess is this does not hurt the animal as they would be hanging there trying to claw and bite at you without you actually holding them by tender parts.

[JacksPythons]

That makes sense to me, except for one thing. By holding the back of the turtle (I assume you mean near the hind legs), wouldn't you still be vulnerable to the animal's rear claws? I got a nasty scratch the other day from them, and I'd rather not add to the collection. (And I disinfected, no worries.)

Perhaps I just misunderstood where you intended the turtle to be held. The method definitely works for avoiding the head.


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[Pyrate81]

If you can get it straight on the tail that helps. I don't think there is anyway to completely avoid scratches. Using heavy gloves would probably help with scratches. The jaws are the worst part cause in an extreme case, you could probably lose a limb.

[JacksPythons]

Understood! Thank you very much for answering!


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[Pyrate81]

No prob. I <3 turtles.

[John1982]

Pretty much the only time an alligator snapper leaves the water is a female going to lay eggs - other than that they're 100% aquatic. Considering this and the size of the turtle you found I'd guess you saved a common snapper. Just as Pyrate81 said, firmly grasp the rear of the shell with your fingers on the plastron and thumb on the carapace in a sort of pincer hold. Smaller turtles won't be able to do much with their rear legs if you have a good grip and with bigger ones you can use both hands to better manage them. Large alligator snappers are much easier to handle totally on the carapace with one hand grasping the shell right above the head and the other hand holding the rear. Definitely make sure you are dealing with a macrochelys before using the 2nd method as a common snapper will make you pay.

[OctagonGecko729]

Yeah just to differentiate again and re-emphasize. You can hold alligator snappers behind the head on the shell but not common snappers.

[Tarzan152]

This is the most common way I see a snapping turtle get handled. Looks like your fingers or limbs would be safe this way:



This seems safe too but will depend on the size of the turtle:



This is the absolute best way. Ha..



This is the forbidden hold:




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[John1982]

This is the most common way I see a snapping turtle get handled. Looks like your fingers or limbs would be safe this way:



This seems safe too but will depend on the size of the turtle:

First picture is an alligator snapper and the second picture is a common snapper - both being held safely as suggested. I double dog dare someone to hold an angry serpentina with the same method that fella is using on the macrochelys.