Snapping turtles never look happy, but this one looks grumpier than normal (I would be too, if I were hauled around like this). But check out that tongue--the night crawler looking thing. That's what it wiggles while it lies in wait at the bottom of ponds and streams. Any fish who ventures too close for a nibble get nibbled itself.
Here's a tip to those of you who find yourself in the position of having to move one of these creatures: don't pick them up by their tails--you'll hurt them. Don't grab them by their shells (unless you are experienced at so doing)--they'll hurt you. Instead, use a shovel to scoop them up and deposit them elsewhere.
Stay tuned for your next installment of Snapping Turtle Handling Thursday.
Thanks for the photo, Mary.
Dec 20, 2007
Snapping Turtle Handling
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6 comments:
Snappers can bite if they are picked up by the tail.
This guy (or girl) is gorgeous.
Shame on me: I think snapping turtles are so cute!
And don't attempt to pick them up by letting them grab the shovel handle; they'll snap right through it.
Actually, though, snappers are pretty peaceful when they're in the water. It's when they're on the land and can't swim away when you have to worry about them. There used to be gigantic snappers at my grandparents' lake--in excess of 2 feet long, possibly over 100 years old each--but they've all been killed off since it's been built up over there. A real pity, IMO.
--Veronique
This looks like something Walter Simonson would draw. :-)
I think snapping turtles are cute! Common Snapping Turtles, though, are much cuter than Alligator Snapping Turtles. Observe:
http://www.outdooralabama.com/watchable-wildlife/images/Common%20Snapping%20Turtle%20Marisa.jpg
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