Snapping Turtles: Post-Kill Movement And Survival Strategies

The common snapping turtle is a fascinating creature, recognisable by its dark carapace (upper shell) and small plastron (bottom shell). They are mostly aquatic, spending a lot of time underwater, waiting to ambush their prey. They are also known for their powerful jaws and long necks, which they can extend rapidly. While they are not typically aggressive, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. This raises an interesting question: how long do snapping turtles remain active after death? Some sources suggest that even after being killed and butchered, the meat of a snapping turtle can continue moving for up to eight hours. This is likely due to the slow metabolism of turtles, which allows them to remain alive even with severe injuries.

Snapping turtle behaviour after killing prey

The common snapping turtle is a species of large freshwater turtle native to North America. They are known for their aggressive behaviour and powerful jaws, which they use to hunt and defend themselves. While they are generally passive when left alone, they will attack when provoked.

After killing their prey, snapping turtles will often remain motionless in the water, waiting to ambush their next victim. They are solitary creatures and do not usually engage in fights with other turtles, except during the mating season when males may push each other and try to flip each other over to establish dominance.

During the breeding season, snapping turtles will leave their aquatic habitat and travel long distances over land in search of a suitable place to dig a nest and lay their eggs. They can be more aggressive during this time, making it more likely for humans to encounter them.

In terms of their hunting behaviour, snapping turtles are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish, insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even other turtles. They are also scavengers and will feed on dead animals they come across. Young snapping turtles are more active foragers, while adults tend to lie in wait and ambush their prey.

Overall, snapping turtles are shy and reclusive creatures that prefer to avoid confrontations. They are an important part of the ecosystem and help maintain the balance of their aquatic habitats.

How to handle snapping turtles

Handling a snapping turtle can be a tricky task, especially given their ability to be fast, spin around quickly, and lunge. Here are some tips to help you handle snapping turtles safely:

When to Handle:

Snapping turtles are typically docile in water, but they can become aggressive during their breeding season when they are found travelling across land. This is usually when most people encounter snapping turtles.

Safety Precautions:

• Always keep your safety first when dealing with snapping turtles. Their powerful, sharp jaws can be dangerous.
• Avoid picking up a snapping turtle by its tail, as this can damage its vertebral column and tail, and also put you at risk of being bitten.
• If you must move a snapping turtle, use a tool such as a shovel or a long stick to do so. You can also use a car mat or a blanket to help slide or carry the turtle.
• When moving the turtle, approach it from behind, and grab the back of its shell near the back legs. Be cautious, as the turtle may try to bite or scratch you.
• Never grab a snapping turtle from the sides of its shell, as its head may whip around and bite you.
• If you are moving the turtle across a road, make sure to look both ways before heading out and only do so if it is safe.

Handling Techniques:

• If you need to move a snapping turtle across a road, always move it in the direction it is heading. Release it on the side of the road, and it will likely shuffle away from you and the road.
• If you are relocating the turtle, look for nearby habitats such as ponds or bodies of water, especially if it is a freshwater turtle.
• If the turtle is injured, call the nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre for assistance.

How to identify a snapping turtle

Snapping turtles are easily identified by their dark carapace (upper shell) with a deeply serrated back margin and a small plastron (underside shell) that does not completely cover the turtle's flesh. The carapace can vary in colour from green to brown to black, and is often covered in moss. The plastron is usually off-white or grey, but some individuals may have a yellowish appearance. The shell is often jagged on the edges and has ridges along the top.

Snapping turtles have a long tail, often as long as or longer than the carapace, that is covered with bony plates. The tail is long and thick at the base, tapering to a point. The tail of a male snapping turtle is longer and thicker than that of a female, and the male's vent is situated close to the tip of the tail, while the female's is located near the base.

Snapping turtles have a large head, a long neck, and a sharp, hooked upper jaw. The head is covered with tuberosities, and the lower jaw has a hooked tip. The chin has barbels. The neck is long and thin, and the turtle can extend it rapidly.

Snapping turtles have large legs with thick claws. Their feet are webbed and heavily scaled.

Snapping turtles are large aquatic species, weighing between 10 and 35 pounds, and measuring up to 19 inches in length.

How to help an injured snapping turtle

If you've found an injured snapping turtle, it's important to take immediate action as their first responder. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Move the Turtle to Safety

Gently place the snapping turtle in a dry, well-ventilated box or any enclosed space to prevent it from escaping or sustaining further injuries. Keep in mind that snapping turtles have powerful jaws and long necks, so always maintain a safe distance from their head. Avoid picking them up by the tail, as it can damage their vertebral column and tail. If possible, take photos of the injuries before placing them in the box.

Step 2: Pin the Location

Note down the exact location or address where the injured snapping turtle was found. This information will be crucial when seeking further assistance or reporting the incident.

Step 3: Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator or Veterinary Clinic

Reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a veterinary clinic specializing in turtle care, such as the Turtle Rescue League in Massachusetts or the Tufts Wildlife Clinic. They can provide expert advice and medical treatment for the injured snapping turtle. If you are in Ontario, you can call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre at 705-741-5000 for assistance.

Step 4: Transport the Turtle Safely

If you need to transport the injured snapping turtle to a rehabilitation centre or clinic, keep it in a cool, dark, and quiet environment. Use a box with a dry towel on the floor and place the turtle on top. If the turtle was found on a hot surface, you can place a slightly damp towel on top to help cool it down. Never transport a turtle in water, as they may drown. Always wear gloves or use hand sanitizer after handling the turtle to ensure your safety.

Step 5: Do Not Offer Food or Water

Do not offer the injured snapping turtle any food or water, and refrain from attempting any treatments. It is important to leave this to trained professionals.

Remember, it is illegal to raise a wild snapping turtle in captivity without the proper state or federal permits. Always prioritize the turtle's safety and well-being, and seek expert assistance as soon as possible.

Snapping turtle hunting and eating habits

Snapping turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. They are also scavengers, feeding on dead organisms. They are active hunters and ambush predators, preying on anything they can swallow, including invertebrates, fish, frogs, snakes, smaller turtles, birds, and small mammals. They are most active at dawn and dusk when hunting.

Common snapping turtles are found in shallow, muddy, or brackish water with a lot of weed growth. They can be found in areas with underwater structures like logs and boulders, where they can hide and bask. They are also found in rivers, lakes, marshes, ponds, streams, and estuaries.

To catch snapping turtles, you can use a baited line or hand fishing. Bait can include large chunks of cut bait, whole dead panfish, chicken livers, or gizzards. They are more active at night, so it is best to leave the bait overnight.

When cleaning a snapping turtle, it is important to wear plastic gloves as the meat often contains salmonella, and the turtles swim in dirty water. First, remove the head and hang the turtle upside down to drain the blood. Then, remove the bottom shell by slicing through the joint between the two sections of the shell. After that, remove the entrails and cut the legs and neck from the inside edges of the top shell. Finally, skin out each leg and the neck, and cut away any bright yellow fat, as it has a strong fishy flavor.

The meat of a snapping turtle is said to be similar to pork with a seafood edge, or like chicken, with a firm texture. It is commonly used in chowders, stews, soups, and jambalaya.

It is important to note that snapping turtles can carry toxins, so consuming them in large quantities may pose health concerns.

Frequently asked questions