THE SNAPPING TURTLE’S WAY
By Kelly Wallace
Like many things in life, which at first seem intimidating, but when you take the time to understand more about them, they become more accessible, and the scariness fades. Snapping turtle encounters are like that.
Ontario’s largest species, the snapping turtle, has a reputation for being fierce and aggressive—and let’s not forget the snap. However, this impression comes primarily from people who have come too close to them on land or made the mistake of feeding or antagonizing them. The disposition of this turtle species on land differs from what they are like in an aquatic environment. In water, snapping turtles are calm and naturally curious but do whatever they can to avoid human interaction. They want nothing to do with people on land but cannot make as swift an exit as they can in the water.
Unfortunately, this turtle species was given a name that has blemished their character. Snapping turtles are about so much more than snapping; given their physical attributes, the reason they snap and possess a spirited nature when out of water is understandable. Unlike turtle species that can pull their limbs into their shell to safeguard themselves from predators, which include animals and people, snapping turtles have an under-shell (plastron) that is so tiny retreating into their shell is not an option in times of danger. This leaves snapping turtles exposed and vulnerable to unwanted encounters. Under such circumstances, when cornered and feeling susceptible to harm, is it any wonder they snap at the air and appear defensive? They are doing what they can to protect themselves. When you approach a snapping turtle, you know you mean this animal no harm, but the snapping turtle perceives you as a menacing predator. Their defensive manner is all they have to make them appear bigger and ward off what scares them.
Snapping Turtles are not the fearsome creatures that internet hype and hearsay make them out to be. There are many animals in the wild, and you would be in danger if you happened upon them in their natural habitat. That is not the case with snapping turtles. They are not going to run you down or attack you, nor are they the least bit interested in eating you.
Hundreds, even thousands of people assist turtles, including snapping turtles, across roads in Ontario and come out of it unharmed. Do you know how many people die in snapping turtle attacks every year? Zero. There has not been a single reported snapping turtle fatality. Are we suggesting you stroll to a snapping turtle and expect a friendly exchange? Absolutely not. When you are in the wild and encounter a snapping turtle, you are in their home. Just like you would go into self-preservation mode if someone unexpectedly showed up in your home, you would react and be blessed with the gift of words as the first line of defense, which wild animals do not possess. Do not judge snapping turtles for responding as they do; like us, they must look out for themselves.
Take the time to understand the nature of the snapping turtle so you can look past the snap and appreciate them for the majestic ancient species they are. Having encountered and helped many snapping turtles over the years, every encounter is memorable.
Recollection Of An Encounter
On a warm summer evening last year, I helped a snapping turtle across Highway 62 that seemed especially stressed, and yes, she bucked and snapped while I walked her across the road. As I approached the water on the other side of the road, she relaxed slightly in my grasp as if she knew she was headed to where she intended to go. I set her down at the water’s edge, and as soon as I did, she spun around to face me, and characteristic of snapping turtles, she bounced, this being her best attempt to scare me. I took two steps back. We locked eyes, and she lowered her body to the sandy shoreline as if to stand her ground, all the while her eyes fixed on mine. It felt like the longest time, but it was a mere few minutes, and in that time, she said everything she had to say with those soulful brown eyes and had a lot to say. She told me off for getting into her personal space and for scaring her, touching her, and moving her. I respectfully took in everything she had to say. When she felt she had said everything that needed to be said, she slowly stood up, turned around to face the water, and swam away.
Helping A Snapping Turtle Across The Road
If it is safe to stop to help a turtle across the road, maintain its direction and set it down a safe distance from the shoulder. Only attempt to use a hands-on method to move a snapping turtle across the road if you are comfortable doing this and understand how. If you are uncomfortable picking up a snapping turtle, there are plenty of other ways to assist a turtle that does not include touching them. To read more information about snapping turtles and the various methods for helping them across the road, please visit the snapping turtle page on our website: https://thinkturtle.ca/snapping-turtles. Should you have questions or concerns regarding turtles, hatchlings, or nests, contact Think Turtle Conservation Initiative via phone or text at 647-606-9537 or e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com if the matter is not time-sensitive.
By taking the time to understand why snapping turtles act as they do, it will be apparent that this is an animal to be respected, not feared. Snapping turtles have so much to teach those who are willing to learn.
Magazine Article (Print): Wallace, K. (2024, May). The Snapping Turtles Way.
Apsley Backroads, p. 19. apsleybackroads.com
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