Road ecology blog: Marcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) out of a trap to mark and measure the individual, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA. Picking up a common snapping turtle is not without danger. They are very strong and heavy, they are quick, they have a long neck, they bite, and they have large claws. You should not lift them by the tail; this is likely to result in injuries to the vertebrae and spine. However, there is a place on either side of the tail where you can grab the shell and where your hands are safe from biting. But the claws of the hind legs can still do damage (see the claws on my left arm), so very thick, sturdy and long gloves are needed. I learned a lot this week about turtles from Kari Gunson who also made these images. More info below.

Marcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentiMarcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) out of a trap to mark and measure the individual, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA

Image below: After the animal is lifted from the trap, it is best to put a cloth over the animal's head. This calms the animal down, reduces stress, and should the animal want to strike and bite, it can't see where your hands are. Here I am marking the animal with a non-toxic water resistant paint.

Marcel Huijser puts a cloth of the head of a common snapping turMarcel Huijser puts a cloth of the head of a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) to reduce stress during marking and measuring, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA

Image below:  Marcel Huijser measures the carapace (shell) length of a common snapping turtle.

Marcel Huijser measures the carapace length of a common snappingMarcel Huijser measures the carapace length of a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA

Images below: Marcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle over the turtle fence to the safe side of the fence after having marked the animal.

Marcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentiMarcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) over the turtle fence to the safe side of the fence, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA Marcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentiMarcel Huijser lifts a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) over the turtle fence to the safe side of the fence, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA

Click here for more images of the turtle research in and around Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska, USA

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