How To Save Snapping Turtles From Fishing Hooks

do snapping turtles die if they swallow the hook

While it is unclear whether swallowing a hook will always be fatal to snapping turtles, it is certainly harmful and detrimental to their species. A swallowed hook can get lodged in a turtle's throat or gastrointestinal tract, causing immense pain and potentially leading to death. The issue is relatively common, with a study from Tennessee finding that over 30% of adult female snapping turtles at one site had swallowed fishing hooks. If a hooked turtle is unable to feed, it will suffer and eventually die.

Characteristics Values
Whether snapping turtles die if they swallow a hook It can be fatal if the hook gets lodged in the turtle's throat or gastrointestinal tract.
How common is it for turtles to be caught on fishing hooks It is suggested to be relatively common. A study from Tennessee found that more than 30% of adult female snapping turtles had swallowed fishing hooks.
Turtles that are most likely to get caught on fishing hooks Snapping turtles are hooked most often, likely due to their size, widespread nature, and feeding behavior.
Why is it an issue when turtles get caught on fishing hooks It causes needless suffering and can lead to population decline.
What to do if you hook a turtle Reel the turtle in slowly and gently to prevent the hook from digging deeper. Do not cut the line and release the turtle. Use a net or grab the back end of the shell to lift it out of the water. If the hook is difficult to remove, caught in the mouth, or swallowed, medical care is required.
How to avoid hooking a turtle Avoid known turtle hotspots and stop fishing if you see a turtle. Use lures instead of live bait, and use barbless hooks or micro-barbed hooks.
What to do if a snapping turtle is crossing the road Put your safety first and only intervene if it is safe to do so. Remove the turtle in the direction it was headed. Do not pick up the turtle by its tail, as it can cause spinal injury.

petshun

What to do if you accidentally hook a snapping turtle

If you accidentally hook a snapping turtle, it is important to take the right steps to ensure the turtle's safety and your own. Firstly, reel the turtle in slowly and gently to prevent the hook from digging in deeper. Use a net or grab the back end of the turtle's shell to lift it out of the water, avoiding lifting the turtle by its fishing line or tail, which can cause further injury. Be cautious as turtles may bite or scratch to protect themselves, and snapping turtles have long, flexible necks and a powerful bite.

If the hook is lodged in the turtle's mouth or has been swallowed, it will require medical care. In Ontario, you can call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for assistance. If you are unable to get professional help, you can try to remove the hook yourself, but it is important to take precautions. Get the turtle to bite down on a log or stick, then use long-nose pliers or forceps to carefully remove the hook. Alternatively, you can cut the fishing line as close to the hook as possible and allow the hook to rust out over time. However, this may cause pain and suffering to the turtle, and it is always best to seek professional help if possible.

To reduce the impact of fishing hooks on turtles, consider using barbless hooks when fishing in areas with large turtle populations. Barbless hooks are easier to remove if a turtle is caught. Additionally, try to remove snagged fishing hooks from vegetation rather than cutting the line and abandoning the hook. Distributing guides on helping hooked turtles in popular fishing areas can also help educate anglers on how to properly handle this situation.

petshun

How to remove a hook from a snapping turtle

If you accidentally hook a snapping turtle while fishing, it is important to know how to remove the hook to prevent injury or death. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove a hook from a snapping turtle:

Step 1: Reel in the Turtle Gently

Use your fishing rod to slowly and carefully reel in the snapping turtle. Avoid pulling the line with force, as it may cause the hook to dig deeper into the turtle's mouth or throat.

Step 2: Use a Net or Grasp the Shell

Once the turtle is close enough, use a net to lift it out of the water gently. Alternatively, you can carefully grasp the back end of the turtle's shell to bring it out of the water. Do not lift the turtle by its tail, as it could paralyze the turtle since their tail is fused to their spine.

Step 3: Cut the Fishing Line

After removing the turtle from the water, cut the fishing line close to the hook. Leave at least one foot of line past the mouth to secure the line and prevent the turtle from swallowing it.

Step 4: Restrain the Turtle

Snapping turtles are strong and aggressive, so it is essential to restrain the turtle safely. You can wrap the turtle's face and head with a cloth to calm it down slightly and protect yourself. If possible, have one person hold the turtle firmly but gently by its shell, keeping their hands away from the turtle's long neck.

Step 5: Remove the Hook

Use needle-nose pliers or forceps to carefully remove the hook. If the hook is barbed, you will need to cut it with wire cutters before attempting to remove it. Work the hook out slowly and carefully to avoid causing further injury. If the hook is lodged deeply or has been swallowed, do not attempt to remove it yourself, and seek veterinary assistance.

Step 6: Release the Turtle

Once the hook is removed, carefully release the turtle back into the water. Ensure the turtle is unharmed and able to swim away.

Remember that the safety of both the turtle and yourself is a priority. If you are unable to remove the hook safely, seek assistance from a veterinarian or a wildlife conservation center. Additionally, using barbless hooks can make it easier to remove the hook and reduce potential harm to the turtle.

petshun

What to do if you see a snapping turtle in your yard

If you see a snapping turtle in your yard, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. It is likely a female looking for a place to lay her eggs. If you are lucky, she will dig a mound to lay her eggs, cover them up, and then leave until the next season. It is important to protect the nesting site from dogs and other animals that might dig it up. Do not try to remove the eggs yourself, as turtle egg embryos are easily killed when disturbed.

If you are concerned about the turtle being a danger to children or pets, you can call animal control and they will attempt to use turtle traps to remove it. You can also try to remove the turtle yourself by approaching quietly from the rear and carefully sliding your hands under the back edges of the shell on either side. Do not place your hands near the front half of the turtle, and do not pick it up by the tail as you can injure its bones. Large snapping turtles may require two adults to lift.

If the turtle is injured, you can transport it to a wildlife clinic or contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.

petshun

How to get rid of snapping turtles in your pond/yard

Snapping turtles can be a nuisance, especially if you have a pond with fish or plants that the turtles feed on. They can also be dangerous, transmitting diseases such as salmonella to humans. If you want to get rid of snapping turtles in your pond or yard, here are some methods to consider:

  • Trapping: The most efficient way to remove snapping turtles is to trap them. You can use a submerged turtle trap or a floating turtle trap, depending on the type of turtle. Submerged traps are ideal for snapping turtles and soft-shell turtles, while floating traps work best for turtles that like to sunbathe, such as red-eared sliders. Set the trap in shallow water and use bait such as lettuce, worms, vegetables, or canned tuna.
  • Netting: If you have a medium-sized pond, you can try using a telescoping pond net to scoop out the turtles.
  • Hook and line: Similar to fishing, attach a treble hook to a line and bait it with pieces of fish or meat. Tie the line to a tree or root and submerge the hook in the water. This method can be time-consuming but effective.
  • Call a professional: Consider contacting a professional turtle removal service. They will have the right tools, knowledge, and expertise to remove the turtles efficiently and legally.
  • Fencing: Installing a fence around your property can help keep turtles and other predators out. While this can be costly, it is an effective way to control turtles and other wildlife.
  • Barrier: Placing a small one-to-two-foot-high barrier around your pond may help prevent turtles from getting into it. This option is less costly than fencing but may detract from the aesthetic value of your pond.
  • Mesh net: Covering your pond with a mesh pond net is an inexpensive and effective way to protect it from turtles. You can find nearly invisible nets that preserve the beauty of your pond.
  • Shooting: If you are a good shot, you can attempt to shoot the head of a snapping turtle as it pokes out of the water. However, this makes retrieving the body difficult or impossible, and it may not be legal in your area.
  • Relocating: If you find a female snapper that has come onto your land to lay her eggs, you can usher her into a garbage bin or sturdy container and relocate her to a new area.

Remember that it is important to handle turtles with care and always wear protective gear when attempting to capture or remove them. Additionally, some species of turtles may be protected by federal or state laws, so be sure to check the regulations in your area before taking any action.

petshun

How to help a snapping turtle cross the road

As the weather gets warmer, turtles start moving in search of new territories, breeding opportunities, and food. Many females travel to find ideal places to lay their eggs, often crossing roads in the process. Here are some tips on how to help a snapping turtle cross the road:

  • Prioritise your safety: When you see a turtle on the road, first ensure your own safety. Watch out for oncoming vehicles, signal properly when pulling over, and be aware of your surroundings before you try to help the turtle.
  • Stand guard: If possible, simply stand guard as the turtle crosses the road on its own. This is especially important if the turtle is a protected species.
  • Use a car mat: If the turtle needs to be moved, use a car mat to help it cross without picking it up. By placing the mat or another object under the turtle, you can slide it in the direction it was going.
  • Handling the turtle: Do not pick up the turtle by its tail, as this can cause serious injury. Instead, hold it at the back of its shell, not the sides. Snapping turtles have long necks and powerful jaws, so be cautious to avoid bites.
  • Maintain direction: Keep the turtle moving in the same direction it was headed. Do not change its course, as it has a specific destination in mind. Once it reaches the other side, leave it alone and do not relocate it to a new area.
  • Get help for injured turtles: If the turtle is injured, rush it to a veterinarian, an animal shelter, or a wildlife rehabilitator for assessment and treatment.
  • Check for signs of life: Even if a turtle appears dead, always check for signs of life. Turtles with crushed shells may still be alive and suffering. Test for a reaction by gently pinching a back toe or touching the corner of the eyelid to see if the turtle responds.
  • Prevent road crossings: If you're in an area where turtles are present, take action to prevent them from crossing roads. For example, you can erect small fences or barriers to guide them away from roads and towards safer areas.

Frequently asked questions

Reel the turtle in slowly and gently to prevent the hook from digging deeper. Then, use a net or grab the back end of the turtle's shell to lift it out of the water. Do not lift the turtle by its fishing line or tail.

Cut the fishing line to remove the hook. If the hook is difficult to remove, caught in the mouth, or has been swallowed, seek medical care.

If there is no oncoming traffic, let the turtle cross the road without help and observe from a distance. If the turtle needs to be moved quickly, use an object like a car mat, container, or shovel as a barrier between you and the turtle.

Give the turtle space and let it leave on its own. Snapping turtles move surprisingly fast on land and will typically move out of sight within an hour or two.

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who takes in reptiles.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment