Snapping turtles, including the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), are powerful, wild animals demanding caution. Handling them presents a serious risk of injury due to their defensive behavior on land. The general rule is to never attempt to pick up a snapping turtle unless intervention is necessary because the turtle is in immediate peril, such as when crossing a busy road.
Assessing the Risk of Handling
The primary danger when attempting to pick up a snapping turtle is its remarkable neck flexibility and reach. A snapping turtle can extend its neck incredibly fast, striking out to reach any part of its shell or the hands of a handler. The neck can reach a distance of up to two-thirds the length of the carapace (top shell), which can be a startling distance.
A bite from either species can cause severe soft tissue damage; the jaws are capable of amputating human digits. The sharp, hooked beak of an adult can inflict a serious, painful wound requiring medical attention. Because the turtle’s small plastron (bottom shell) prevents it from fully retracting, its defensive reactions increase when confronted on land.
Attempting to lift the turtle by its tail is dangerous and can severely injure the animal, potentially damaging its vertebrae. The back legs and claws also pose a threat, as the turtle will thrash powerfully to escape. Like all reptiles, snapping turtles can carry Salmonella bacteria, requiring diligent hand washing after any contact.
Identifying the Species
Knowing the species is crucial because handling advice differs significantly. The Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is generally smaller, with adults typically weighing between 10 and 35 pounds. Its carapace is relatively smooth, often covered in algae, and its head is rounded or oval when viewed from above.
The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is much larger, with some adults weighing over 175 pounds, and is substantially more dangerous. This species is recognizable by the three prominent, spiked ridges (keels) that run lengthwise down its shell, giving it a prehistoric appearance. Its head is massive, triangular, and pointed, featuring a noticeably hooked beak.
The Alligator Snapper has a unique, worm-like lure on its tongue used to attract prey. Its eyes are set more to the side of the head and are often surrounded by fleshy, filamentous growths. Given its distinctive spiked shell and immense size, the Alligator Snapper should never be directly handled by the public.
Safe Methods for Relocation
Relocating a snapping turtle should only happen if necessary to save the animal’s life, such as when it is on a roadway. The safest and most recommended method for both species is using a tool to slide the turtle across the ground. A shovel, sturdy stick, or car floor mat can gently push the turtle in the direction it was headed.
Move the turtle in the same direction it was traveling when encountered. This ensures it reaches its intended destination and prevents it from crossing the road again later. Once safely off the road, place it into the grassy area or shoulder and let it continue on its own. Do not move the animal to a different body of water, as this disrupts its natural home range.
If lifting a Common Snapping Turtle is absolutely necessary, use the “back-of-the-shell” technique. This involves grabbing the carapace with two hands near the base of the tail, just above the rear legs, where the neck cannot reach. This method is not recommended for inexperienced individuals and is completely unsuitable for the Alligator Snapping Turtle, which must only be moved using tools.