Swimming with snapping turtles in a pond is generally considered safe, despite their menacing appearance. You can swim in a pond with snapping turtles without any problem.
As intimidating as these prehistoric-looking reptiles appear with their spiky shells and powerful jaws, they rarely bite people while in the water.
Snapping turtles tend to avoid confrontations and conflicts whenever possible. So provided you do not actively bother or provoke them, you should be able to safely swim alongside snapping turtles.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how snapping turtles behave around swimmers and discuss some sensible precautions to take so you and your snapping turtle neighbors can coexist peacefully.
What are Snapping Turtles?
First, let’s get to know these misunderstood reptiles. Snapping turtles are giant, aquatic turtles with big, spiked shells and long, thick tails. Their most distinguishing feature is their large head and sharp beak, which enables their powerful bite.
Snappers can live for decades and grow up to 2 feet long. Talk about jaw-dropping! While they prefer calm, muddy waters, you may find them in marshes, ponds, and lakes across North America.
With their hidden shells and ambush hunting style, they patiently wait for prey like fish, frogs, snakes, and even baby ducks to come to them.
So, in short, snapping turtles are prehistoric beasts that are not to be messed with! Now, let’s get into the thick of it. Should you risk a swim with them?
Risks of Swimming with Snapping Turtles:
In one word: no. While snapping turtle attacks are uncommon, the risks heavily outweigh any possible benefits of taking a dip in snapper-infested waters.
When startled or threatened, these defensive reptiles can become aggressive. With jaws strong enough to snap off a broomstick, I’d say their bite is worse than their bark…or rather, their hiss!
Plus, bacteria living in their mouths can lead to infections if they decide to latch onto you. Ouch! Not to mention, if they bite their fingers or toes, their beaks could cause permanent damage.
Ultimately, it’s better just to watch them from dry land rather than get in the middle of their terrain.
Will A Snapping Turtle Bite You in The Water?
Snapping turtles typically avoid conflicts with humans unless they feel threatened. However, swimming right by them may make them perceive you as a predator.
They tend to strike at moving prey near the water’s surface, so they very well may take a snap at you!
Their lightning-quick lunge combined with murky water means you likely won’t see the bite coming until it’s too late. Those stealthy little ninjas! So whether intentional or not, there’s a good chance a snapper will bite if you swim too close.
Tips on Swimming Around Snapping Turtles
Alright, so you’re still determined to take that plunge. I understand the water does look friendly and inviting! In that case, here are tips to be as safe as possible if snapping turtles are present:
- Scan the water first and avoid swimming if you spot one.
- No splashing! It may resemble injured prey to a hungry snapper.
- Don’t touch or play with a turtle if you see one. In fact, back away slowly to give it space.
- Keep children and pets out of snapping turtle waters. Their small size makes them bite-sized snacks!
In the end, though, I would still advise finding a different swimming spot. Preferably a nice swimming pool instead!
Are Snapping Turtles Dangerous on Land?
You may encounter snapping turtles basking on land, too. While less likely to bite than in water, they can still pack a nasty nip!
During the summer, female turtles lumber onto land in search of nesting spots. If you get too close to her or her eggs, Mama Snapper will turn aggressive.
The babies can be aggressive, too. Emerging from nests in late summer, they head straight to the safety of water.
But if you disrupt a tiny snapper’s journey, it may try biting whatever giants stand in its path…namely human feet and legs!
For your safety, be aware of your surroundings when near turtle habitats and give them space. Whether in water or on land, snapping turtles just want to be left alone to go about their prehistoric business!
Are Snapping Turtle Bites Dangerous?
In addition to painful wounds, snapper bites carry the risk of infection. Their mouths contain bacteria-laden saliva and often prey like fish and frogs. If flesh gets trapped in their saw-like ridges, bacteria can enter the body.
Potential infections from bites include:
- Staphylococcus – Causes skin infections
- Salmonella – Causes food poisoning-like symptoms.
- Tetanus – Leads to painful muscle spasms
Seeking medical care right away lowers the chances of developing these. Still, bites on hands and feet especially should not be taken lightly. In severe cases, fingers may require amputation if bite wounds cut off circulation!
Basically, a turtle bite can quickly turn ugly. Yet another reason swimming with them just isn’t worth the risk!
Safety Tips If Encountering Snapping Turtles:
Despite all the dangers, what if you still cross paths with a snapping turtle? Here are dos and don’ts:
DO:
- Back away slowly and leave plenty of space
- Let the turtle cross if in its path; do not pick it up
- Keep pets indoors if a turtle is nearby
- Seek medical care if bitten
DON’T:
-approach or touch the turtle
-provoke it by yelling or throwing things
-try to restrict its movement
- Allow kids near it without close supervision.
Conclusion
While the idea of swimming with prehistoric beasts sounds adventurous, snapping turtles should be watched from a distance, not up close!
Protect yourself by simply finding a nice pool, lake, or other body of water to swim in that doesn’t have snappers lurking beneath the surface.
And if you do live around them, be aware of their surroundings when outside and educate children about giving them space. With proper precautions, we can peacefully co-exist with these relics of the reptile world!
So be smart, be safe, and enjoy summer sans snapper bites! Both you and the misunderstood turtle will be better for it.
Here are Some potential frequently asked questions (FAQs) about swimming with snapping turtles:
Are snapping turtles aggressive to swimmers?
Snapping turtles tend to avoid confrontations with people if possible. They may bite if threatened but generally do not show aggression towards swimmers unprovoked.
What do I do if a snapping turtle approaches me while swimming?
Remain calm and avoid splashing if a snapping turtle swims near you. Please do not touch or oppress it. Slowly back away to put more space between you and the turtle.
Have there been many reports of snapping turtle bites on swimmers?
Documented cases of snapping turtles biting swimmers are relatively rare. Their bites are more likely on land when defending nests or when people attempt to handle them.
What should I do if bitten by a snapping turtle?
Immediately exit the water and clean the bite wound thoroughly to reduce infection risk. Seek medical attention, even for minor bites, due to bacteria from the turtle’s mouth. Monitor for signs of infection over the next several days.
