Image of Common Snapping Turtle

Description:

This large snapping turtle was quite amiable and surprisingly docile. Note: Please do not pick up snapping turtles by their tail, as the vertebra could be injured. This turtle was lifted very slowly and gently, and for only just long enough to snap a photo, before being released. He was in an awkward position nearly out of reach, or we would have lifted him securely by the shell. He move away slowly after release, so appeared only a bit confused by being lifted, and not distressed. There were a very large number of turtles at this location.