What Can You Do if You Get Bit by a Snapping Turtle?

Snapping turtles are common and typically live in shallow bodies of water. When startled, they can strike and bite, much like a snake does. Although their bites can be nasty, snapping turtles are not poisonous and only bite when provoked or surprised. Handling a snapping turtle with care will prevent most bites.

  1. Identification

    • Adult snapping turtles range in size from 9.5 inches to 15.5 inches. They are muddy brown in color with a bumpy shell. They have a visible tail and a large, triangular head with a sizable mouth.

    Handling

    • Approach the turtle from behind. Be careful and move slowly, so you don't surprise it. Place pressure on the back of its upper shell, and carefully pick it up by its hind end. Putting pressure on its hind end immobilizes the turtle, so it won't be able to strike at you. Do not pick it up by its tail; doing so can seriously injure the turtle. Avoid placing your fingers anywhere near the turtle's head.

    Caution

    • Snapping turtles are known to bite and have strong, sharp jaws. They do not have teeth or fangs, but they can still break the skin. In rare instances, they have been known to sever human fingers and toes, but it is highly uncommon.

    Removal

    • If you are bitten, and the turtle is still attached to your body, do not try to pull it off. This will cause further damage to you. The turtle will release you on its own. If you can, submerge the turtle in water; this will prompt it to let go.

    Removal Warning

    • It is important to keep calm if you are bitten by a snapping turtle. Do not attempt to kill the turtle in an effort to remove it from the bitten area. Snapping turtles' jaws contract and are actually more difficult to remove once they are dead. Killing a snapping turtle while it is still attached to your body will cause you greater harm than allowing it to release on its own.

    Treatment

    • Once you've removed the turtle, clean the wound with disinfectant and assess the damage. Because snapping turtles aren't venomous, you don't need to worry about being poisoned. If the wound is particularly large or deep, you should seek professional medical treatment. If it's minor, you can simply disinfect and bandage it.