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Snapping turtle

Description:

Turtle

Habitat:

Wet lands

1 Species ID Suggestions

Aaron_G
Aaron_G 10 years ago
Common snapping turtle
Chelydra serpentina Common snapping turtle


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3 Comments

BeckyLopez
BeckyLopez 10 years ago

I was not involved it the capture and release of this reptile. Thanks for the info on the proper handling of this species I will keep it in mind for future encounters I will also pass it along to my friends.

KarenL
KarenL 10 years ago

Becky, it is potentially harmful to hold a turtle by the tail as it can cause permanent spinal damage - not to mention being extremely stressful for the animal. The correct way to pick up a snapping turtle is to grasp both sides of the carapace (shell) about half way between the midpoint & the tail, though unless you have been trained to do so correctly we would recommend that you do not attempt to handle this species for your own safety & that of the turtle.

Aaron_G
Aaron_G 10 years ago

Hi, Becky. I'm not sure if this turtle is being suspended by its tail, but if so, that can be quite damaging to the animal. The weight of the turtle can easily separate vertebrae and it's not a recommended method of suspension or transport.

BeckyLopez
Spotted by
BeckyLopez

Hartwell, Georgia, USA

Spotted on May 26, 2013
Submitted on May 27, 2013

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