Encountering a snapping turtle can be an alarming experience due to their powerful jaws and ability to inflict harm. However, these misunderstood creatures play vital roles in freshwater ecosystems. This guide will provide key information on how to safely catch and release snapping turtles when conflicts arise.
Proper handling techniques, ideal habitat selection, responsible relocation practices, and what to do if you find vulnerable hatchlings will be covered.
The goal is to encourage peaceful coexistence with these relics of prehistoric waterways. Both species can stay safe and respect each other’s space with thoughtful actions outlined here in this Snapping Turtle Release Guide.
How Do You Catch And Release A Snapping Turtle?
When encountering a snapping turtle in the wild, exercise extreme caution. All species of snapping turtles have long necks and a powerful jaw that can inflict serious injury.
Never attempt to pick up a snapping turtle by the tail, as this can cause spinal damage. Here are the proper steps for catch and release:
Materials Needed
- Leather gloves
- Sturdy cardboard or plastic container or burlap sack
- Shovel or flat-edged tool
Steps
- Carefully approach the turtle from behind to avoid the head and neck. Do not interact with or provoke the turtle.
- With a shovel or tool, gently guide the turtle into the container. Ensure the head and limbs can’t escape through any gaps or holes.
- Quickly secure the lid and contain the snapping turtle until ready for transport and release. Handle the closed container gently.
- Relocate the turtle immediately to a suitable habitat. See the sections below for details on habitat selection and release.
- After release, thoroughly disinfect the gear exposed to the turtle to prevent the spread of bacteria.
When handled carefully and appropriately, snappers typically will not bite defensively. But do not attempt catch and release if uncomfortable. Instead, contact wildlife officials for assistance removing and rehoming the turtle.
How do you release a snapping turtle into the wild?
Successfully returning a snapping turtle to the wild involves selecting appropriate habitat and minimizing transport time. Follow these release guidelines:
Choosing Location
- Permanent freshwater areas large enough to support adult turtles
- Slow-moving sections of creeks, rivers, and ponds with soft, muddy or sandy banks
- Areas with plentiful aquatic vegetation and/or partially submerged logs and rocks
- Sites should have minimal human disturbance and vehicle traffic
Avoid releasing turtles into unfamiliar developed areas near roads or homes. This puts them at risk and causes more human-wildlife conflicts.
Releasing the Turtle
- Transport the turtle within the covered container, out of direct sunlight and extremes of hot or cold. Limit transport time to under 12 hours.
- When releasing, approach the water source quietly. Gently overturn the container so the turtle can crawl out on its own into the water.
- Do not throw the turtle into the water or interact with it post-release. Quietly observe the turtle from a distance to ensure it is able to swim and acclimate on its own.
- Note release location in case follow-up monitoring by officials is needed. Document any unique shell markings.
- Wash hands and sanitize gear immediately after release. Never relocate a sick or injured turtle. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator first.
Where Should You Release A Snapping Turtle?
When selecting release sites, aim to return the turtle as close as possible to original habitat. If exact original location is unknown, focus on finding areas with prime snapping turtle resources: sufficient prey availability, suitable terrain for nesting, and minimal threats.
Ideal Habitat Features:
- Freshwater wetlands: marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes
- Slow-moving rivers and creeks with soft mud banks
- Aquatic vegetation: cattails, water lilies, grasses
- Partially submerged logs, vegetation mats
- Sandy or gravelly areas adjacent to water for nesting
Less Suitable Locations:
- Fast-moving streams or waterways
- Canals near developed areas or roadways
- Retention ponds and flooded quarries
- Areas of brackish or saltwater
When in doubt, contact state wildlife agencies for advice on recent turtle sightings near prime habitat. Releasing turtles in regions already populated with snappers minimizes risks of encroaching on competitors and supports genetic diversity.
Is It Okay To Relocate Snapping Turtles?
In general, turtles have specific habitat ranges and homing abilities that can be disrupted by relocation. Relocating snapping turtles is controversial but justifiable as a last resort in certain human-wildlife conflict cases, provided it is done responsibly.
Cases when relocation may be appropriate:
- Turtle found wandering into developed areas far from natural habitat
- Nests repeatedly laid in vulnerable areas such as yards and gardens
- Individual turtle poses direct threat to pets or personal property
Rules to follow if relocating:
- Release turtle as close as possible to capture site
- Select habitat with ample food, water, and nesting resources
- Avoid areas containing environmental toxins
- Never transport turtles across state lines or far distances
Allowing healthy snapping turtles to remain in familiar environments when possible encourages natural behaviors and healthy populations.
When conflicts arise, addressing root causes like habitat loss will benefit both species. Consider relocation carefully on a case by case basis.
What To Do If You Find A Baby Snapping Turtle?
Encountering teensy snapping turtle hatchlings tugging their big heads and tiny bodies across roads or paths tends to spark protective instincts.
But what’s the best plan of action? Here’s a smart approach if you find yourself crossing paths with a small snapper.
Assess the Situation
- Is the hatchling wandering nearby a body of water or wetland? If so, observe from a distance before intervening. Monitor for signs of stress or dehydration. The little one may reach water to rest on its own.
- Check surroundings for a nest site the baby may be emerging from. Female snappers travel over land to dig nests so hatchlings aren’t in water immediately.
If Help Seems Necessary
- Allow hatchling to walk into container or gently scoop up supporting underside. Be cautious handling tiny turtle.
- Keep babies hydrated with droplets of water and transport quickly to nearest suitable aquatic habitat.
- Wear gloves when handling and never keep hatchlings in captivity over 24 hours before release.
Choosing Release Site
Select habitat with ample hiding spots and minimal threats. Ideal areas include:
- Vegetated wetlands, pond edges and calm streams
- Where older juveniles and adult snappers are known to reside
- Free of invasive predators like bullfrogs and fish
Handle baby snapping turtles minimally and give them the best start by quickly reuniting in or near prime waters. Admire these tiny dinosaurs from afar as they grow into their prehistoric glory!
Conclusion
Snapping turtles may appear unnerving with their spiked shells, long necks, strong jaws and largely unseen habitat beneath murky waters.
But these reptiles fill vital ecological roles. Like all wildlife, preserved habitat, healthy food sources and protection from exploding roads, pesticides and human encroachment will allow snapping turtles to thrive.
If encounters arise with these reptilian relics, exercise caution and care. Never provoke or experimentally catch snappers.
Follow responsible catch and release practices if turtles wander into inhabited spaces or need relocation. When feasible, allow snappers to carry out hidden lives contentedly in their ancestral domains beneath familiar waters.
Respect the space of snapping turtles and appreciate glimpses into the world of these stealthy dinosaurs descending from the depths of time.
