SNAPPING TURTLES
Snapping Turtles, being the largest freshwater turtle species native to Ontario, both fascinate people because of their dinosaur-like appearance and unnerve some people due to their size and seemingly aggressive manner.
Over the years, snapping turtles have suffered many injustices because people have not taken the time to learn key facts about them. This has led to snapping turtle behavior often being misinterpreted. The name this turtle species was assigned also does not help; "snapping turtle" has come to define them, and they are about so much more. Yes, snapping turtles are known to snap, scratch, and even cause a flesh wound if their beak pierces the skin, but when left alone, they have a very gentle nature. This is most apparent when observed from a distance, or they are in the water.
Snapping Turtles On Land
On land, snapping turtles feel incredibly vulnerable. They have the disadvantage of a very small undershell (plastron) that prevents them from pulling their limbs into their shell to protect themselves when they feel threatened like most other turtle species can do. As a result, snapping turtles, not surprisingly, shift to a protective mode that includes snapping when on land.
Snapping turtles spend 90% of their time in the water. If they leave the water, it is because they are on a mission, which could include moving to a different habitat because of the time of year, habitat threats or changes, food availability, mating, nesting, or basking. Snapping turtles, like all turtles, want to be left alone to do what they have set out to do.
In the case of a snapping turtle that feels threatened, they will assuredly snap, and if you put your fingers or any other fleshy parts in front of their face or within the reach of their long neck, they will clamp on and pierce the flesh with their sharp beak. Turtles lack teeth, but the beak's cutting edge, accompanied by their strong jaw, is a formidable biting tool. An adult snapping turtle's jaw strength has been measured at between 208 and 226 Newtons of force. By comparison, a human's average bite force is between 300 and 700 Newtons when we bite with our molars. Snapping turtles can inflict a painful bite but cannot snap a broomstick in half.
Common snapping turtles respond as they do because they are scared or have been cornered or threatened. Their behavior is looking out for themselves and telling us to leave them alone. It is important to remember that when we approach a snapping turtle for any reason, even if well intended, such as to assist the turtle across a road, we know we are there to help the turtle. They do not know this and perceive us as a large menacing predator.
If you think about it, a snapping turtle or any animal in the wild reverting to a "self-preservation" response as a result of feeling threatened is completely understandable. In a situation where any of us feel threatened, we would react and look to protect ourselves. The difference is that we have words available to us, whereas turtles and other animals do not.
Snapping Turtles In Water
Snapping turtles are more at home in the water and feel far less vulnerable. Although highly aquatic, they are moderate swimmers and often walk on the bottom of the water in which they are situated. Their demeanor in water is passive and does not include snapping. Some may, at times, be curious and have been known to swim up to boats, docks, or near someone who may be in the water and even bump into people. They are as curious about us as we are about them, and at times, this may cause a snapping turtle to swim a little too close for our comfort level. Most often, though, when met with a potential encounter with a human in the water, snapping turtles are more apt to make a swift exit than hang around.
Snapping turtles spend a lot of time underwater foraging for carrion (dead plant and animal matter). The algae growing on their shell (carapace) is a testament to that fact. They are the janitors of the lakes and wetlands and do us a great service by cleaning the waterways. Without carrion getting recycled in this way, our wetlands and waterways would be overrun with excessive amounts of bacteria. Healthy turtle populations are essential for these reasons and so many more.
Snapping Turtle Encounters
Accounts that surface on occasion about encounters ending up with someone sustaining a flesh would are likely the result of one of the following;
(1) Someone deliberately antagonizes/provokes a snapping turtle by getting into its personal space, cornering it, prodding it with a stick, etc.
(2) A snapping turtle being accidentally stepped on or startled on land or in the water.
(3) Someone fishing accidentally ends up with a turtle getting hooked on the line or in a net. If hands are put anywhere near a snapping turtle, perhaps trying to free them from a hook or net, if not handled carefully, a bite is the most probable outcome.
Should anyone accidentally hook a snapping turtle, please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, home to Ontario's turtle hospital, at 705-741-5000. Do not cut the line and put the turtle back into the water. The OTCC offers free medical care for turtle species native to Ontario and can arrange transportation to get the turtle to the hospital from anywhere in Ontario.
(4) If someone routinely feeds a snapping turtle, this messes them up and changes their perception of humans. If fed, they will equate humans with food. Please don't ever feed snapping turtles in the wild. They will want food on their schedule, and this could prompt snapping turtles to get too close for comfort, looking to be fed. This could set the scene for an unwanted interaction.
(5) Live fish bait, such as dead fish, is attractive to snapping turtles. In general, the "stinkier" your bait, the more interested turtles are, which may result in turtle interactions.
(6) There is sometimes confusion on the internet, with people assuming the alligator snapping turtle, which is located in the USA, and common snapping turtles, which inhabit Ontario, are the same. The alligator snapping turtle is much larger, with records of some reaching 220 lbs. The largest snapping turtle in Ontario we have encountered was 36 lbs. The alligator snapping turtle is known to have a vicious bite. Despite this, they are not known to attack humans unprovoked.
A Snapping Turtle Perspective
Accounts that surface on occasion about encounters ending up with someone being bit while in the water are rare but not unheard of as the result of the following: Snapping turtles' encounters with people in the water present a dynamic not often considered that may come down to size. Whereas most often, when met with a human encounter, a snapping turtle observes our "full body size." As such, they are more apt to make a swift exit than hang around.
Observing toes or fingers dangling off a dock may be perceived underwater by a snapping turtle as chubby worms. Dangling toes off the dock is not recommended because from beneath the water's surface, a snapping turtle will only see something wiggling that they may think is something edible. Curiosity and the prospect of a favored snack may cause them to check out the wiggly bits. They do like worms, and as they only see the part of the person dangling beneath the water, they cannot be blamed for being enticed. Wearing water shoes is best if dangling your feet off a dock.
Water shoes are recommended for this reason and because of items discarded in lakes and other water bodies such as glass bottles. A snapping turtle swimming underwater viewing the leg of someone perhaps standing in the water is seeing a "part" of a person. This is often not the case, but occasionally, this may prompt a snapping turtle to investigate and clamp on. Not in the sense of an attack but a snapping turtle checking out a possible food source. If a snapping turtle does this, being uninterested in eating people, they will quickly release the leg. It is more like spitting the leg out. However, with the turtle's beak piercing the skin and causing a flesh wound, this behavior has sometimes been interpreted as an attack. Hysteria can sometimes ensue, and a one-sided account can take on a life of its own, especially if social media is involved. In five years, we have had one such incident reported to us.
Although we view the lakes and other water bodies as being there for us, they serve as the natural habitat for turtles and many other aquatic animals that live by instinctive behavior. The most crucial point is that snapping turtles are "NOT" roaming on land or swimming around, looking for humans to attack, eat, or bite. Whether swimming, wading, fishing, or boating, remember we are in their habitat, and encounters are entirely possible when we are in the water. Like many wildlife species, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. If they feel threatened, however, they will react and use their intuitive ways to ward off potential threats.
Observe and respect wildlife from a distance. If we choose to interact in a way that wildlife could misinterpret, the consequences of such an encounter are down to us and not the animal. If an animal is in distress and you want to help, please do so in a manner that ensures your safety and that of the animals.
Photo showing how small a snapping turtles under shell (plastron) is.
HELPING SNAPPING TURTLES ACROSS ROADS
If it is safe to stop and assist a turtle across the road or retrieve an injured turtle please make "SAFETY YOUR #1 PRIORITY" to ensure your, passengers', and other motorists' safety on the roads is imperative.
Any encounter with a human is stressful. It is always best and less stressful for a turtle if it can cross the road unassisted. If there is no oncoming traffic, let the turtle cross the road without help. Observe from a distance. Avoid sudden movements that may alarm the turtle and cause it to change direction, stop, or seek shelter within its shell.
If an unassisted road crossing is impossible, we hope you will find the following information helpful.
Although your intentions may be well-meaning, if you are not comfortable with a hands-on approach to assisting a snapping turtle across the road, please refrain from attempting this to avoid possible harm to yourself and the turtle. Dropping a turtle from even a short distance can cause an injury to them and their fragile cargo if an egg-laden female.
Special care is required when assisting a snapping turtle across the road. These turtles may be the size of a dinner plate or as much as 19 inches long, weigh up to 36 pounds, and have powerful legs and jaws. To safely handle a large snapping turtle, "AVOID" the front half of the turtle's body. Be sure that your hands and arms are always beyond the reach of the snapping turtle's long neck.
There are many ways to assist a snapping turtle physically across the road. The best way is a personal choice and depends on two factors: the comfort level of the person looking to help the turtle and the size of the snapping turtle.
Hands-On Handling Methods
(A) Grasping Back of the Shell—Approach the turtle from behind. Avoid loud noises or bumping the turtle before picking it up. Wearing gloves is recommended, providing additional protection and a better grip. The shell (carapace) may have algae growth and be wet. The best gloves are used for rose pruning because they have a more extended cuff, which adds extra protection against snapping turtle claws, which are very sharp and can cause scratches on your hands and arms. Use gloves if you have them.
Your movement and actions must be careful and swift. Hovering near or over a snapping turtle will unintentionally cause undue stress and give it more time to become problematic.
Place your hands at the back of the turtle's shell, each to the side of the tail. Hold the turtle with your thumbs on the top of the shell and fingers on the bottom rim of the shell, similar to holding a tray of food with two hands. This will enable you to get a good grip and manage the turtle's weight. A snapping turtle cannot extend its neck back this far.
Lift the turtle off the road and move safely and quickly, keeping the turtle as low to the ground as possible to prevent serious injury if you drop the turtle. Be prepared for the turtle to snap in the air and move their legs while in your grip. Keep the turtle's head pointed away from your body because their neck is long and flexible, and hold the turtle as far away from your body as you can while moving the turtle. Some turtles empty their bladder when lifted off the ground because they are scared, so be careful not to drop the turtle if this suddenly occurs.
Place the turtle gently on the ground a safe distance from the road. Step back quickly once you release your grip from the turtle's shell. Snapping turtles often spin around to face their predator, followed by snapping and bouncing in a lunging motion. Leave the turtle alone to recover from being handled.
(B) Towel Over Shell – This method is the same as described in (A), but a towel is used instead of gloves. Approach the turtle from behind. Quickly place a towel over the back section of the snapping turtle's shell and grasp the turtle by the back of the shell, with one hand on each side of the tail. The towel allows for a perfect grip and helps to contain the turtle's back legs, reducing the risk of getting scratched by the turtle's long, sharp claws. Here is a video of this method to view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS8oaDBCPS8
(C) Pizza Hold Method: Approach the turtle from behind to cause as little undue stress as possible. Place one hand on the base of the turtle's tail to help stabilize and secure it. Slide the other hand halfway under the turtle's under shell (plastron) and carry the turtle across the road, maintaining the direction it was headed. Here is a video of this method to view.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=646096262605505
(D) Car Mat Method— By placing a car mat or piece of cardboard under the turtle, you can carefully drag the turtle with its back facing the direction it is going. If enough of the turtle is not positioned under the turtle, you may need to grab underneath the rear part of the top shell and lift the rear legs off the ground to slide the mat under the turtle quickly. Move the turtle across the road in the direction it was headed. Spin the turtle back around when the turtle is far enough away from the road in case it takes the turtle a few minutes to move off the mat to ensure you and the turtle are not in harm's way.
Using a car mat can be a helpful way to help snapping turtles across a road without actually picking them up, Here is a video of this method to view.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1414961188896826
(E) Wheelbarrow Method—Imitating the action of tilting a wheelbarrow up firmly, approach the turtle from behind, and grasp the back of the turtle's shell near the back legs. Lift the rear end of the turtle up and walk the turtle forward. In most cases, the turtle will move forward on its front legs. If the turtle does not help, you may need to carry the turtle across the road carefully. but generally, it is a method that works well.
Snapping Turtle Hatchlings
Hatchlings can be picked up for thumb and forefighter if found crossing the road or grass. They will not bite, and there is no danger of harm. Please be careful not to overhandle or drop the hatchling. Take the hatchling to the nearest body of water with shallow water and vegetation.
Juvenile Snapping Turtles
If you find a juvenile snapping turtle bigger than a hatchling and up to 4", grasp it with both hands like a sandwich to assist it across the road. Do not put your fingers in front of the turtle's face. At this age, they can nip you. Set the juvenile snapping turtle down safely away from the road.
Non-Handling Methods
Assisting a snapping turtle is entirely possible without actually touching the turtle.
The most popular non-handling method for assisting a snapping turtle across the road is a shovel. Many people travel with a shovel in their vehicle during turtle season. People use various shovels, but plastic snow shovels are often chosen because of their size and construction.
(F) Shovel To Scoop—Depending on the size of the turtle, a shovel can gently scoop it off the road and carry it across the road in the direction it is headed. It is essential that the shovel is not raised too high off the ground and is big enough to contain the turtle so it does not fall out and sustain an injury. For this reason, snow shovels are more commonly used.
(G) Shovel To Guide – The second way a snow shovel can be used is by standing behind the turtle and using it to coax and help negotiate the turtle across the road carefully.
(H) Monitored Crossing—Some people prefer not to handle turtles, and that is, of course, understood. If it is safe for you to do so, sometimes just standing behind a turtle on the road is enough to prompt them to pick up their pace and proceed across the road. This can sometimes cause a turtle to become startled and veer off the path they were headed. If possible, try not to get too close. Wearing a safety vest is important when near or on the road.
(I) Crossing Guard – Another method used to assist a turtle across a road is to do so from the road shoulder with a safety vest on and alert oncoming motorists to the fact that there is a turtle on the road. This may involve pointing, waving your arms, or a brightly colored item. Doing so may even prompt a passerby who is more comfortable handling snapping turtles to safety and pull off the road to assist the turtle across the road. There has been a significant increase in awareness of the challenges the turtles face, and it is not uncommon for concerned citizens to stop and safely assist a turtle across the road.
(J) Old Timer Crossing – If you encounter a substantial old snapping turtle, it is best to safely clear the way for the turtle and alert oncoming traffic. Please wear a safety vest to ensure you are visible! The turtle may take a while to complete the journey across the road. Most oncoming traffic will be sensitive to this and excited to see such a treasured and wonderful sight. These days, in such circumstances, another person may stop to alert oncoming traffic.
When it comes to assisting turtles across the road, some people have been known to use whatever is at hand for unexpected turtle encounters. Alternative items have included tarps, rugs, a small sheet of plywood, a kid's winter flying carpet, wagons, tote, police escorts, etc., to safely assist a turtle across the road and keep all parties concerned safe.
Methods "NOT" To Use
Picking Up By Tail: A turtle should "never" be picked up by the tail because it is fused to their spine. Handling a turtle in this manner has the potential to dislocate its spine, which can result in paralyzation and a slow, painful death.
Dragging: A method that has been used in the past and should "not" be used, as advised by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (turtle hospital), is offering a snapping turtle a branch, golf club, hockey stick, broom handle, ratchet strap, piece of rope, etc. with the expectation the snapping turtle will clamp down on the item placed in front of their mouth. Followed by a person dragging the snapping turtle across the road. This method has resulted in unfortunate injuries to turtles over the years due to people accidentally pulling with too much force or the turtle causing an injury to itself. This method can accidentally cause ligament injury, a fractured or dislocated neck, which can be mild to severe spinal cord injury, in any case resulting in severe pain and other serious symptoms that can be fatal to a turtle. Thankfully, we now know about the risks of using this method and why it should not be used.
Overpowering: No matter how well meant your intentions are to help a turtle please refrain from helping in a manner that borders on harassing. A snapping turtle that feels overpowered and has people coming at it from multiple directions will be scared by this and seriously stressed. Even if you manage to get the turtle across the road in the direction it was headed a stressed turtle could end of back on the roads minutes after you left. Never kick turtles as a way of prompting them across the road.
We hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions regarding this or other turtle-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact Think Turtle Conservation Initiative at 647-606-9537 (phone/text) or e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com. Thank you for looking out for Ontario's endangered species.
Copyright © 2024 Think Turtle Conservation Initiative - All Rights Reserved.
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