The common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, is a large freshwater reptile frequently found in North American ponds and slow-moving waterways. These turtles can grow to an average carapace length of 8 to 18 inches and weigh between 10 and 35 pounds. Property owners often seek their removal due to concerns about the turtles preying on pond fish, waterfowl, or posing a safety risk to pets and children. This guide provides legal and humane methods for their control, focusing on exclusion, physical capture, and ethical post-capture management.
Identifying Snapping Turtles and Legal Restrictions
Correctly identifying the species is the first step, as common snapping turtles differ significantly from other pond turtles. They possess a large head, a long tail nearly the length of their shell, and a carapace with a serrated posterior edge. Unlike many other species, the snapping turtle has a small, cross-shaped lower shell (plastron), which prevents them from fully retracting their head and limbs. Because they lack full protection, they rely on powerful, beak-like jaws to snap when threatened on land.
Before any removal attempt, check local and state wildlife regulations. Many jurisdictions classify snapping turtles as a regulated species, and taking them may require a valid fishing or trapping license or a specific permit. Regulations often specify legal trapping seasons, minimum size limits, and permitted trap types. Ignoring these laws can result in fines, so contacting the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or equivalent wildlife agency is necessary.
Habitat Modification for Natural Deterrence
The most effective non-contact method involves modifying the pond environment to make it less appealing. Snapping turtles prefer quiet waters with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation for hiding and foraging. Removing excess aquatic vegetation and debris, especially in shallow areas where they bask or ambush prey, reduces the pond’s suitability.
Modifying the pond banks can also discourage nesting and access. Snapping turtles seek soft, sandy soil near the water’s edge to lay eggs, typically in late spring or early summer. Creating steep, 90-degree banks or lining the edges with large, tightly packed rocks inhibits their ability to haul out and nest.
For ponds with valuable fowl or fish, exclusion fencing is a successful physical barrier. A drift fence, constructed of wire mesh or solid material, should be at least one foot tall and buried six to eight inches into the ground. This barrier prevents the turtles from moving between land and water in a specific area, encouraging them to seek an easier habitat elsewhere.
Trapping Methods and Safe Handling Procedures
Physical removal through trapping is the most direct control method once deterrence measures fail. Hoop nets (fyke nets) and custom-built wire box traps are the most effective options. When using any submerged trap, it must be set to allow the turtle to surface for air, usually by ensuring the top of the trap is above the waterline or floated with logs.
Snapping turtles are readily attracted by scent, making fresh, bloody bait highly effective.
Suitable baits include:
- Chunks of fresh fish.
- Fish heads.
- Chicken gizzards.
- Other raw, spoiled meat.
The bait should be secured inside the trap with wire to prevent the turtle from stealing it without entering. Traps must be placed in shallow, quiet sections of the pond, such as along weed edges or submerged cover, and checked at least once every 24 hours to minimize stress and prevent drowning.
Handling a captured snapping turtle requires extreme caution due to their long neck and powerful, fast strike. Never lift a snapping turtle by its tail, as this can severely injure the animal’s spinal column. The safest method is to use a shovel or plywood to slide the turtle into a secure, heavy-duty container.
If manual lifting is unavoidable, approach from the rear and grasp the shell firmly at the back edge, just in front of the hind legs. The turtle’s striking distance can extend the full length of its shell, so keep all body parts away from the front half. Using thick gloves and a long tool is recommended to maintain a safe distance from its jaws and sharp claws.
Post-Capture: Relocation and Ethical Disposal
Once a snapping turtle is captured, the final disposition must align with ethical practices and local law. Relocation is complicated by the turtle’s strong homing instinct; a relocated turtle will attempt to return to its original pond, often crossing dangerous terrain. Many states prohibit or restrict relocation due to the risk of spreading diseases to new populations.
If relocation is permitted, the animal must be transported to a suitable water body at least five miles away to minimize the chance of return. If relocation is not possible, contact the state wildlife agency or a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator. These professionals ensure the animal is humanely and legally disposed of, especially if local regulations stipulate that homeowners should not attempt to dispatch the animal themselves.