{"id":12302,"date":"2022-11-15T04:37:24","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T09:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/?p=12302"},"modified":"2022-11-19T08:59:52","modified_gmt":"2022-11-19T13:59:52","slug":"how-to-pick-up-a-snapping-turtle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/how-to-pick-up-a-snapping-turtle\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Pick Up A Snapping Turtle?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You have probably heard that it\u2019s best to avoid touching snapping turtles<\/a>. But, as with everything, there is a way to do it safely; if you know what you\u2019re doing and exercise caution, you can handle even large adult snappers. Want to learn more? In this article, we\u2019ll talk about how to pick up a snapping turtle \u2013 both what to do and what not to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Pick Up a Snapping Turtle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The exact methods you use to pick up a snapper will vary depending on the age and size of the turtle. Regardless of these factors, it\u2019s a good idea to wear thick, protective work gloves when attempting to handle a snapper.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at how to pick up snapping turtles at various stages in their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby Snapper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Very young snapping turtles are quite small\u2013only around an inch or two in diameter. Despite their small size, they still have an incredibly powerful bite<\/a> that can do some damage if they latch onto your fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To safely lift a baby snapping turtle, approach it from behind and try not to make any noise. If it hears you coming, the baby may spook and become aggressive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you approach, check it for any obvious injuries. If you see any, try to avoid these areas when touching the turtle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your thumb on the backside of the baby\u2019s shell and slip your forefinger underneath its body between the back legs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lift the baby gently, keeping a firm hold but making sure not to squeeze its little body too hard. Keep it as low to the ground as possible as you move it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are helping it across the road, move it in the direction it was already heading and set it down on the opposite side of the road. Snapping turtles have a great sense of direction, so do not attempt to change its course. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the baby is injured, place it in a shoebox or other small container as gently as possible. Take it to the nearest vet\u2019s office or animal rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juvenile Snapper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As baby snappers grow toward adulthood, they will become larger and heavier. It will take more than a single thumb and forefinger to lift them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quietly approach the juvenile from behind to avoid spooking it. Check for signs of injury such as broken legs, damaged shell, or blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your thumb on top of its shell and your forefinger and middle finger on its underside, allowing the tail to slip between the two fingers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how heavy the juvenile is, you may want to use both of your hands. If so, place your other hand in a similar manner, with the thumb on top of the shell and fingers underneath its body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If using both hands, allow the tail to hang loose between them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lift the turtle, keeping it as low to the ground as possible. Move it in the direction it was already heading, set it down gently on that side of the road, then back away quickly to avoid being snapped at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the turtle is injured, place it in a carrying cage or box and take it to a vet or animal rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adult Snapper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adult snapping turtles can weigh up to 35 pounds<\/a>\u2013more if they are alligator snappers. Because of this, picking them up safely can be a challenge.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approach the adult turtle as you would a baby or juvenile\u2013from behind, moving as quietly as possible. Look it over for visible signs of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place one hand on each side of the shell, directly behind the back legs. Place your fingers on the underside of the shell and wrap your hands around to the top, gripping the topside with the balls of your hands.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you have a firm hold, then carefully lift the turtle. Carry it as low to the ground as possible so it doesn\u2019t have far to fall if you find you can\u2019t bear its weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place it back on the ground as soon as you can, making sure it stays pointed in the direction it was already going. Back away quickly to avoid being snapped at.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, if the turtle is injured, place it in a carrying case or box and take it to a vet or animal rescue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are trying to move the turtle across the road and you aren\u2019t sure you can bear its weight, check out this video for demonstrations of other safe ways to move snappers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lgd_B6iKPxU<\/a>