Question: What should I do when finding a hatchling in my driveway ?

Answer: One thing to do is take it to a nearby water. I you find it close to a lake or pond and the probability is that the little turtle's other lives there, and such would be the place to take him or her to. If this happens when the best option is to keep the hatchling at home, feed it and let it grow and strong and release it next early summer. If there is no water in sight then the turtle should be taken home and taken care of until next year (as described above). Hatchlings found with yolk sacks still attached should be kept in warm moist environment, on paper towels until the yolk gets fully absorbed. You should never attempt to detach the yolk sack, it will kill the turtle. Those turtles which already don't have any yolk sack attached should be kept in water, approximately 1-2 inches deep. The water should be warm and clean. They might not feed for a while, but with time if you offer them small earthworms or pieces of fish will start. Be patient. A person who decides to keep it as pet has to understand to consequences. Snappers grow to very large sizes, will eat a lot and will need very large tank at the end. They are also a long term commitement - they can live for 50 years and outlive you ! To read more about snapping turtle hatchlings please click here Thanks for asking! Stan

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