Exploring Snapping Turtle Necks: Length And Anatomy

The common snapping turtle is a species of large freshwater turtle native to North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico. Its neck is extremely flexible and long, reaching up to two-thirds of its shell length or approximately 19 inches. This allows it to capture prey and defend itself effectively. The turtle's neck is so long that it can bite a good distance behind itself, making it a threat to people or animals trying to touch its shell. Its neck is also referenced in its species name, serpentina, which means snake-like.

How to pick up a snapping turtle

Snapping turtles have surprisingly long necks, which allows them to snap at their handlers. Their necks are roughly two-thirds the length of their shell, or carapace, which is long enough to reach someone holding them by the back or sides.

If you encounter a snapping turtle, it is important to know how to pick it up safely. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Approach the turtle from behind so it doesn't see you coming. Avoid making loud noises or bumping into the turtle.
• Wear heavy gloves for additional protection and a better grip.
• Grasp the turtle by the back of its shell, with one hand on each side. Make sure your hands are behind its back legs, keeping your fingers near the rear quarter of the turtle's body, close to its hind legs and tail. Get a good grip before lifting, as the turtle may be slimy from the water.
• Lift the turtle and move it quickly, keeping it as low to the ground as possible to prevent serious injury if you drop it. Keep its head pointed away from your body and as far away from you as possible, as its neck is flexible and it can reach quite far.
• If you are moving the turtle, carry it in the direction it was initially going.
• When placing the turtle down, do so gently. Once you release your grip on its shell, step back quickly to avoid being bitten.

It is important to note that you should never pick up a turtle by its tail or back legs, as this can cause serious injury. If you are bitten by a snapping turtle, wait for it to release your hand; killing it will only cause it to tighten its grip and inflict more injury.

How long is a snapping turtle's neck in comparison to its shell?

The snapping turtle's neck can reach a length of about 19 inches, while the upper shell (carapace) seldom exceeds 18 inches. This means that the turtle's neck can be almost as long as its shell, if not longer. The neck generally appears much shorter than it is due to the folds on it, but it is important to remember that this does not reduce the turtle's striking range by much.

The turtle's long neck is an adaptation that helps it hunt and defend itself. It allows the turtle to strike at prey and bite a good distance behind it, making it dangerous to people or animals trying to touch its shell. The turtle can also use its long neck to reach out and bite people or animals that are out of its line of sight.

When handling a snapping turtle, it is important to approach it from behind and lift it from the back of the upper shell, above the back legs. This is because the turtle can reach and bite with its head almost anywhere that you can touch it. The only place its head cannot reach is the tail end of its shell. It is also recommended to wear gloves or use a towel to protect your arms and hands from the turtle's sharp claws.

In summary, the snapping turtle's neck can be almost as long as, if not longer than, its shell. This gives the turtle a surprising amount of reach when striking out, so it is important to be cautious and handle it properly to avoid being bitten.

How far can a snapping turtle stretch its neck?

The snapping turtle's neck can stretch up to three-quarters of its body length, or around 19 inches. This is about an inch shy of a foot and a half, and is longer than the average human forearm. This length gives the turtle a wide range of motion when hunting or defending itself, allowing it to strike at prey or predators with lightning-fast bites. The turtle's neck is also very flexible, enabling it to stretch back across its shell and reach its hind feet.

The long neck of the snapping turtle is an impressive adaptation that greatly aids its survival. When threatened, the turtle can quickly extend its neck to bite potential attackers. This ability is something to keep in mind when handling or approaching a snapping turtle. The turtle can bite a good distance behind itself, so it is best to approach and lift the turtle from behind, avoiding the head and neck. The only place the turtle's head cannot reach is the tail end of its shell.

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a species of large freshwater turtle native to North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to Mexico. It is the most widespread of the three species of Chelydra and the larger alligator snapping turtles (genus Macrochelys). The adult common snapping turtle typically weighs between 9 and 35 pounds, with an upper shell (carapace) length of 8 to 18 inches. The turtle's neck generally appears much shorter than it is due to the folds on its skin, but this should not be misleading—the turtle can easily bite a hand placed near the back or sides of its shell.

The common snapping turtle is noted for its aggressive behaviour when out of the water, possessing powerful beak-like jaws and a highly mobile head and neck. In water, however, it tends to flee and hide underwater in sediment. It is an omnivorous scavenger and active hunter, using ambush tactics to prey on fish, frogs, crayfish, and other small animals. Its long neck allows it to lie in shallow water with just its head exposed, stretching up to breathe through nostrils positioned at the very tip of its snout.

The common snapping turtle is not a suitable pet due to its aggressive disposition and flexible neck, which enable it to bite its handler even when picked up from the sides. It is a common misconception that these turtles can be safely picked up by the tail, but this can cause serious spinal injuries. The safest way to handle a snapping turtle is by grasping the rear of its shell, behind the back legs, keeping a safe distance from its head and neck.

Can a snapping turtle bite you if you hold the middle of its shell?

A snapping turtle's neck is only as long as it needs to be to bite you. While their bite is powerful, it is not true that they can snap a broomstick in half, let alone a human bone. However, they can and have bitten off fingers. Their jaws are sharp and edged, and they can inflict serious damage.

If you are handling a snapping turtle, it is recommended to do so by the tail or by grabbing it from either side of the shell, away from the mouth's reach. If you do get bitten, remain calm as it is likely a warning snap, and the turtle may release you. Do not aggravate the turtle, as it will hold on for longer. Step away and allow the turtle to retreat.

To answer the question, it is possible for a snapping turtle to bite you if you hold the middle of its shell, as their necks are long enough to reach and bite you. Their necks are around 2/3 the length of their shell. Therefore, it is not a safe way to handle them.

How to rescue a snapping turtle from the road

If you see a snapping turtle attempting to cross a road, you can help it get to the other side safely. Here are some steps to follow:

• Prioritise your safety: Before attempting to help the turtle, make sure you are in a safe location. Pull over in a safe place, turn on your hazard lights, and check for oncoming traffic. Your safety should always come first.
• Assess the situation: Determine if the turtle needs assistance. If it is injured, rush it to a veterinarian, an animal shelter, or a wildlife rehabilitator. If it appears uninjured, you can help it cross the road.
• Use a blunt object: Large snapping turtles have long necks and a powerful bite. Instead of picking them up, use a blunt object to gently push them from behind to safety. You can also use a car mat or something similar to slide the turtle in the direction it was heading. Do not use anything sharp that could cause injury.
• Handle with care: If you must handle the turtle, do so with caution. Grasp it firmly by the back of its shell, not the sides, as snapping turtles can extend their necks to reach your hands. Be careful not to drop the turtle, and always move it in the direction it was heading.
• Do not change its course: Snapping turtles have a destination in mind, so do not try to make them change direction. If placed back where they started, they will simply try to cross the road again. Once they are safe on the other side, leave them alone.
• Do not relocate the turtle: Avoid moving the turtle to a new area, even if you think its current location is odd. Relocating turtles can expose them to foreign diseases and parasites that they lack natural immunity to.
• Report sightings: If possible, take a photo and report the sighting to platforms like Herp Mapper to help track the movements of these reptiles.

Frequently asked questions