Wondering about the hydration needs of snapping turtles? These intriguing reptiles have unique characteristics, and providing them with water is a critical aspect of their care.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why offering water to snapping turtles is essential and uncover some insights into their fascinating aquatic lifestyle.
Whether you’re a seasoned turtle enthusiast or a beginner in the world of reptile care, understanding the importance of water for snapping turtles is a must. Let’s dive into the aquatic world of these captivating creatures.
Understanding Snapping Turtle Behavior
Why Might a Snapping Turtle Be on Land?
Snapping turtles leave the water and come on land for specific reasons related to breeding, nesting, basking, and finding new bodies of water.
Breeding: In the spring and early summer, male snapping turtles will wander in search of mates. Females also leave the water in search of nesting sites during this time.
Nesting: Female snapping turtles come on land to dig nests and lay eggs, usually in soil or gravel near water. This occurs in late spring through mid-summer.
Basking: Turtles bask to raise their body temperature and aid their metabolism. Snappers may bask on logs, rocks, or the shoreline when the weather is warm.
Dispersal: In hot, dry weather or when a water source dries up, snapping turtles may travel over land to find new habitat.
So a snapping turtle on land may just be going about its usual business and not require assistance.
Is The Turtle Safe or In Distress?
Healthy Behavior: Slowly walking, alert and active, retracted into its shell if scared.
Signs of Distress: Listless, lethargic, extended out of shell excessively, mouth/eyes closed or barely moving. These turtles may be overheated, dehydrated, injured, or ill.
Use caution making assumptions though. Just because a turtle is still, doesn’t mean it’s unhealthy. Observing quietly can give insight into if intervention is needed.
Dangers Posed By Snapping Turtles
While not intentionally aggressive, snapping turtles react defensively if they feel threatened. Some key dangers include:
- Powerful jaws that can amputate fingers or toes
- Long necks that strike quickly with a long reach
- Sharp claws for scratching
- Ability to suddenly stretch their necks out to bite even if retracted in a shell
So proper caution is necessary when getting close to or handling these turtles. Keep hands, feet, and objects out of reach of the head and neck at all times. Support larger turtles from underneath rather than picking them up by the top shell.
Providing Snapping Turtles With Water
Should I Give Every Snapping Turtle I See Water?
No, healthy snapping turtles out roaming or nesting should be left undisturbed. Provide water only if a turtle clearly needs help, as judged by signs of injury, illness, or heat exhaustion described above.
What Type of Container Should I Use?
A tub or bucket wide enough for the turtle to submerge its whole shell works best:
- Hard plastic tubs, buckets, recycling bins, or storage containers are ideal
- Avoid glass containers
- The turtle should have room to swim and quickly get in and out.
Place the container on the ground rather than lifting the turtle up high to get to water level.
What Kind of Water Works Best?
Snapping turtles live in freshwater. Ideal water sources include:
- Bottled fresh drinking water
- Fresh tap water
- Clean pond, lake, or stream water
Avoid using water that contains:
- Chlorine from pools
- Soap residue from buckets
- Stagnant algae growth
- Pollution or motor fluids
The water should be cool but not icy cold. Add enough water for the turtle’s shell to be fully covered so it can rehydrate completely by absorbing water through its skin and cloacal vent.
Steps For Assisting a Snapping Turtle
If you determine a snapping turtle needs help:
Step 1: Safely Move the Turtle
Very carefully move the distressed turtle using gloved hands, a shovel, board, or blanket:
- Gently slide rather than lift to avoid injuries
- Keep all body parts out of bite and scratch range
Step 2: Provide Appropriate Transport Container and Water
Gently place the turtle in a sealable plastic storage bin or rubber trash can with enough cool, clean, fresh water to cover its entire shell.
Step 3: Keep Contained and Check Condition
Securely tape the lid shut to safely contain the turtle during transport. Poke air holes if latching the lid. Check periodically that the turtle seems active/alert and is safely contained.
Step 4: Seek Expert Care
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian, or resource agency for species-specific assistance:
- Locate your closest [state] turtle rescue/rehab
- Transport the contained turtle safely by vehicle
- Transfer to a rehabber for assessment and supervised recovery.
With expert care, the turtle may fully recover and later get released back to the wild.
Key Takeaways on Giving Snapping Turtles Water
- Leave healthy turtles alone; only help if truly distressed.
- Identify signals of dehydration/heat exhaustion requiring aid
- Use extreme caution when handling snapping turtles.
- Follow specific protocols in containing, hydrating, and transferring turtles to rehabbers
- Get expert support rather than trying to care for turtles solo
With the right approach, an overheated snapping turtle can safely recover with some emergency water and shelter.
But extreme care is essential in assisting these powerful reptiles that pose safety risks if mishandled. When in doubt, contact wildlife professionals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to touch a snapping turtle?
No, it is generally unsafe to touch wild snapping turtles. Their strong jaws and biting, as well as claw scratches, pose risks of serious injury to hands, fingers, legs, and feet. Only handle a distressed turtle using thick gloves, pads, and tools to move them.
What do I do if a snapping turtle bites me?
Seek medical care immediately if bitten or scratched. Snapper mouths carry bacteria that cause infections. Cleanse wounds thoroughly with soap and warm water then get evaluated for antibacterial care such as a prescription oral antibiotic. Be sure to keep the wound covered until healed.
Can I take a snapping turtle home as a pet?
No, it is illegal in most states to remove wild snapping turtles from their natural habitats or keep them captive without special endangered species permits. As babies, they may seem harmless but grow into dangerous biting reptiles over time. Appreciate wild snappers from a safe distance instead.
Where can I relocate a snapping turtle safely?
Avoid relocating snapping turtles yourself unless directly advised by wildlife authorities. Turtles have specific territory ranges and habits. Moving them causes extreme stress, and they may die trying to return “home” or fighting other turtles. Have experts assess turtles and choose release sites if rehabilitation occurs.
Conclusion
In summary, healthy snapping turtles wandering on land are likely just going about breeding and nesting behaviors.
Leave undisturbed. Only provide emergency water to visibly distressed turtles showing dehydration or heat exhaustion signs.
Use extreme caution in handling using gloves, pads, bins, and rehab agency support so both humans and snappers stay safe in the assistance process. With the right approach, an endangered turtle can be nursed back to health and later released.
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