One of the most dangerous turtles in the world, the Common Snapping Turtle can certainly be a force to be reckoned with. But, on a bad day, I suppose that we all can.
DISCLAIMER: It is my sincerest belief that this turtle was in no way hurt by my interaction with it. It is one tough turtle, and although I was firm with it, it incurred no injury due to me. (It's nose was already raw when I grabbed it.)
My love for turtles goes back to my youth. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the swamp. A LOT. Most summers, even into my late teens and early twenties, my outfit of choice was a pair of shorts. No shirt, no shoes, no problem! I wasn't often heading places that required things like that anyway. Enough of what life had to offer was out to be explored, and I was always in the midst of it.
Living out in the middle of nowhere these days, we often head to town on Saturdays to get supplies for the week and enjoy a nice lunch by a lake. Often, for one reason or another, I wind up in the lake. There's always some sort of turtle or snake that I know I could probably get if I would only jump in... so I do. Yesterday, it was a Snapping Turtle.
It probably weighed about 25#, and could have certainly made a good soup. One problem that many people don't realize with turtles of this size is that although it may be easiest to pick them up by their tail, it can be dangerous for the turtle. You see, their tail attaches to the body in the same region as their reproductive organs. Carrying them by the tail could actually sterilize them. This is not good for the future of their species.
It is also worth noting that many states have specific laws about what licenses (hunting or fishing) you need to catch a turtle, when the "open seasons" on turtles are, what the size limits are, and what the possession limit is. Yes, some turtles may be too big or to little to have in your possession. I've had my vehicles searched for many things over the years, but turtles in on the list.
Simply put, Snapping Turtles play an important role in the ecosystem and clean up a lot of dead animals in the water. They may be intimidating, but they'll leave you alone if you leave them alone. Often, I have to run (or swim) after them to catch them. They do not like to see me coming.
For many years now, I have been carrying Snappers from underneath their shells. It eliminates the strain on their tail, but they sure do try to bite a lot. Last year, I found out that I could eliminate this problem by grabbing them by the throat. I've only done it a few times now, but it seems to work well and it serves the purpose I was looking for.
I've done a lot of things like this for a long time, so experience and knowing the animal comes into play. Although this is a "How-to" video, it would be best if you did not try this yourself.
HOW TO GRAB A SNAPPING TURTLE BY THE THROAT
1 Minute Video
Here is the picture version
An upside-down Snapper will want to turn over.
It will use its neck to right itself.
Then it will look like this.
To grab it by its throat, flip it over and wait.
When the neck pops out to try to right itself, grab the Snapper by the throat.
Now you have control and can prevent it from reaching out to bite you.
Now you can remove it from the area and return it to the water.
Please note that many Snapping Turtles (and other turtles) will come up onto land in the spring to lay their eggs. Often, turtles season is closed during this time and it would technically be illegal to pick the turtle up. Either way, it is best to let the turtles be and allow them to lay their eggs.
I like all sorts of creatures, and am a hands on sort of guy, so I check them out up close and in person whenever I get the chance. For those of you who would never do something like this, feel free to enjoy it by watching me. That'll be safer anyway!
As always, I'm @papa-pepper, and here's the proof:
proof-of-snapper
Awesome Handcrafted @papa-pepper logo kindly donated by @vlad - Thank you!!