moving a  american snapping turtle


     First  you have to know what a snapping turtle looks like. First off there are two types of snapping turtle .There is also a alligator snapping turtle, these are only found in the the southeastern part of the united states . These ones are huge four times the size of the one i encountered.  Im refering to the snapping turtle which has been found from southeastern canada ,all the way to mexico. West to the rocky mountains. It  looks like a turtle you know round shell but the snapping turtle is big about the size of a dinner plate 25 to 50cm in length . the most dangerious part of the turtle is the head. most noteabley the mouth , its been known to bite anything it feels threatened by , Its most confortable in water, where it feeds primaraly on fish and frogs.

      The thing thst most importiant in moving the snapping turtle is you approach it from behind, also have a pair of gloves or your towel . if using the towel lay it horazontally across the middle then pick it up, At this point, for a bit, it will retreat into its shell . It depend on how long your moving it is to what happens next . If its only a few minites you should have no problem ,but if its more thats when it gets tricky .At this point the turtle desides to see what the zark is going on it my try snapping at you , they are very quick but if your holding it properly you should have no problem . Next will be the back legs , which they will try moving they are designed for digging and are quiet sharp .Hopefully your done moving it out of harms way. It perfers the water so putting it near a stream of some sort may be a good idea.