Snapping Turtles: Everything You Need To Know!

The largest freshwater turtles found in most of North America, snapping turtles are some of the most unique and ecologically important animals in our freshwater ecosystems. Learn what snapping turtles eat, how they live, and what you can to to help them out in this episode of The Wild Report!

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If you've made it this far in the description, remember to be safe when creature adventuring! Most wild animals can cause injury if harassed, and I do not recommend attempting to capture any creatures without purpose and practice. The reason that I interact with wildlife is to produce these educational videos, and I have years of zoology experience under my belt. Also, I always ask permission from a land owner before exploring on their property, and you should do the same.

Keep adventuring everywhere, and keep your adventures safe at all times!

-Ben Zino

"How many are your works, Lord? In wisdom you made them all, the earth is full of your creatures."
Psalms 104:24

#wildlife #turtle #reptiles

[imtehkilla]

I can tell you are extremely passionate about these animals, and I greatly respect your emphasis of the perils they face from vehicles. The amount all sorts of species of turtles/tortoises I've seen killed by cars is so depressing, and many people have a bias towards "ugly", "gross" animals, typically reptiles and arthropods which makes it even more important to get this message out. Keep up the great work.

[katheryn]

A snapping turtle laid eggs by my driveway in southwestern Michigan on June 6th. 28 turtles hatched on August 14. 69 days. How I saved from predators: Once the mother left, I cut a square of tight wire fencing and laid brick pavers on each side of the square but touching each other. A week ago I pushed up the middle of the wire so there was enough clearance for them to move. Checked a few times a day starting a week before they were born. After about an hour of admiring, my five year old grandson and I took them to a nearby stream. We both enjoyed the experience.

[curtisimo]

You can see how far their neck reaches around the back, so make sure if you're going to move one, only grab the back 1/3 of it's shell.

[casualearth-dandavis]

One of the most underrated species in North America---incredibly resilient.

[jasonm]

I was fishing for carp a few weeks ago. My buddy was getting some tugs but it wasn't a carp so he left his line out. When he finally decided to reel it in to check his bait, it was like he was pulling a horse! Turns out, he caught a bullhead and an opportunistic snapping turtle was making a snack out of him. That turtle was about the same size as the one in this video- BIG. The crazy part is that the turtle wasn't hooked. He just REFUSED to let go of HIS bullhead. My friend pulled that turtle clear out of the water and all that was left of the bullhead was the face and some guts. I have never in my life seen such an ornery animal!

[spongeman]

I like this dude just bashing into the water and grab the turtle and never think that this turtle can bite his arm off in instant.

[MyWildBackyard]

Love me some mud dragons! I'm glad you added these amazing creatures to your Everything You Need to Know series! Awesome encounter, great conservational message.

[nap-nezumi]

This is the first video I've seen of yours. I'm really impressed. Hard to find good biology/ecology content like this online. Keep it up!

[BobG]

Wow! I love the way you started off this video with the dive to catch the turtle -- then followed up with a really interesting description of the animal. I have been binging on videos for the past few hours and this was, minute for minute, the most interesting and informative. Very, very well done! 👍👍

[pipedevnull]

I have helped a couple of turtles finish their road crossing but I have been worried about getting bit by a snapping turtle. Your demo has given me some confidence to try.

[goatcheeseme]

I just hit the subscribe button after watching a Hurricane Ian video of a chaser saving a normal turtle and seeing the comments saying to never touch snapping turtles. Thanks for showing how to do it and describing them so well. Great job!

[theresagreene]

Hey Ben !
We had a new broom in the van and used it to get a snapping turtle off the road. Was not going to pick it up !
Gently did it !
Love what you show us !

[mrtexastaco]

I helped a snapping turtle cross the road up in mooresville and I grabbed lower side like you said ! Thanks to you man I kept all my fingers !!

[francisconti]

Snappers are so prehistoric and cool..tough to handle because of bite force, you really have to pick them up by the rear ⅓ & be careful..VERY CAREFUL.. THEY CAN BITE THROUGH THICK, HEAVY GLOVES!
But saving one is worthwhile moment!

[Frisbeegrl]

Thanks for another great video! I moved to NC 5 years ago and your videos have really helped me get over my fear of snakes, especially the Copper Head. Keep up the great content!

[mattarnt]

One of the best intros to a video I've ever seen 😂👏🏼👏🏼

[AlphaStoutland]

The cahonies on this man jumping headlong into a pond with this beast 😅

Really impressive turtle, I definitely will try and scoot any along I see alongside the road trying to get across...though probably not by picking them up haha.

[davidkean]

Friend of mine caught one, not that big, cooked him up, made General Tso's turtle! Delicious!

[ironwolf]

Straight to the hook lol loved the beginning of the video, I wish more people started their videos like this!

[dfigueroa]

Great video’s as always thanks for the knowledge and keep making these videos ! Awesome bro