.png){kind=logo}
What to do if you find an injured snapping turtle in North Carolina
Help, I found a snapping turtle! Do this FIRST!
The Common Snapping Turtle is North Carolina’s largest widespread freshwater turtle.
Despite their intimidating appearance, snapping turtles are an important part of healthy aquatic ecosystems. They are usually much more defensive on land than they are in the water because, unlike many other turtles, they cannot pull their entire body safely inside their shell.
Seeing a snapping turtle walking across land does not automatically mean something is wrong.
During the warmer months, snapping turtles, especially nesting females, may travel considerable distances away from water.
What to do RIGHT NOW:
If it is healthy and not in danger:
-
Leave it alone and give it space.
You do not need to:
-
Move it to water
-
Carry it back to a pond
-
Relocate it somewhere else
-
Feed it
-
Handle it
-
A snapping turtle walking through a yard, field, driveway, or other area may simply be traveling or looking for a nesting site.
-
Contact CWCC immediately if the snapping turtle is injured
-
Text a clear photo to 980-389-1133
WARNING: Snapping Turtles Can Bite
Snapping turtles have:
-
Powerful jaws
-
A long, flexible neck
-
Sharp claws
-
A surprisingly large striking range
They can extend their neck rapidly toward something they perceive as a threat.
Never put your hands near the turtle's head or front half.
NEVER lift a snapping turtle by its tail.
Lifting a snapping turtle by the tail can injure the turtle's tail and spinal structures.
How Do I Know if a Snapping Turtle Is Injured?
Contact CWCC if you see:
-
A cracked or crushed shell
-
Fresh bleeding
-
Exposed tissue
-
A vehicle strike
-
A lawn mower injury
-
Fishing line or hooks
-
An injured eye or jaw
-
Severe limb injuries
-
A known dog or predator attack
-
Extreme weakness
-
Inability to move normally
-
A turtle that is unresponsive
Most turtles displaying illness or active injury should be assessed by a wildlife professional. CWCC's current turtle protocol asks for photographs whenever possible, particularly the head and the injury, so the team can identify the species and evaluate the situation.
There's a Snapping Turtle in the Road, how can I help?
The safest approach is often to avoid lifting the turtle at all. If traffic conditions allow, give the turtle space and allow it to cross on its own.
If the turtle is crossing a road, it may be helped only if you can do so safely.
Always move the turtle in the direction it was already traveling.
Even if that direction appears to lead away from water.
Do not turn the turtle around.
Do not transport it to another pond.
Do not relocate it elsewhere.
Turtles may simply attempt the crossing again if returned to the side they came from.
Container Method
A sturdy plastic tote, box, or other appropriately sized container can be placed behind the turtle.
Using a broom, shovel, board, or similar object, gently encourage the turtle backward or forward into the container while keeping your hands away from its head.
Carry the container across the road and gently tip it so the turtle can exit on the side it was already heading toward.
If You Must Lift It
Only do so if you are confident and the situation can be handled safely.
A large snapping turtle may be grasped from the rear portion of the shell, above and behind the hind legs, keeping your hands completely away from the front half.
Be aware that the rear claws are also sharp.
Heavy gloves, a towel, or a jacket can help protect your hands from scratches.
Never:
-
Lift it by the tail
-
Grab beside the head
-
Hold the front of the shell
-
Pick it up by a leg
-
Drag it across pavement
-
Use a tool to strike or injure the turtle
If you are not comfortable handling the turtle, do not attempt it.
A Car Hit the Turtle, but It's Still Moving
It needs immediate assessment.Turtles can continue moving even after significant trauma.Do not assume that because the turtle:WalksSnapsPulls awayMoves its legsthat it is uninjured.A turtle shell contains living bone and tissue. Shell fractures are painful injuries and may involve deeper trauma.
Take photos and contact CWCC.
How Do I Contain an Injured Snapping Turtle?
Because snapping turtles can seriously injure a person who handles them incorrectly, use extra caution.
If CWCC or another wildlife professional has advised you to contain the turtle
-
Prepare a sturdy, secure, ventilated container.
-
Keep your hands away from the turtle's head and front half.
-
Approach from behind.
-
Use a broom, shovel, board, or similar object to gently guide the turtle into the container.
-
Secure the lid.
-
Keep the turtle quiet and away from people and pets.
What happens after you call?
1.
Our dedicated team of highly trained professionals will help you assess the situation. We will ask you basic questions like your location and the status of the animal.
2.
We will guide you step by step along the way and provide you with expert advice. You are NOT expected to handle this on your own!
3.
If we determine that help is needed for the animal, we will work with you to arrange care.