Question: How should I handle my snapper ?

Answer: Alligator snappers are quite easy to handle. Their necks are short and they don't strike like common snappers do. Up to mid size all alligator snappers can be safely held by the sides of thier carapace. The only difficulty when handling adult snappers arrises from their weight. You will need to be fit enough to pick up a 150 pounds plus turtle, and this is usually done by holding it with one hand by the edge of the carapace above it's head and with your other hand the edge above the tail. Common snappers are more tricky. They have really long necks and will actively seek any part of your body and snap at it with incredible speed. Hatchlings are quite tame and rarely will bite, but as they grow, with their changing attitudes they become a challange. Large common snappers can inflict serious injury. The best way to hold them is by the sides of the carapace closeer to their tail. A very useful 'tool' for handling larger snappers is a towel. Letting the snapper bit on it and then covering its head makes things easier. Snappers have very powerful legs and they always should be watched when handling. It is very easy to get nasty scratches from their claws. On the other hand, older tamed comon snappers can be handled quite easily, and some even don't bite. One word of warning - snapping turtles shouldn't be picked up by their tails. They are heavy turtles and might get injured if held by the tail. Thanks for asking! Stan

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