How to Preserve a Snapping Turtle Shell

The shell of a dead snapping turtle can be an interesting ornamental piece, in the right kind of environment. It can be a simple process to preserve the shell for an extended period of time. Whether you've caught the snapping turtle alive, or just found the shell discarded by a pond, you can apply the same principles listed in this article. By using the right techniques, having a little patience, you can have a preserved snapping turtle shell in a short time.

Things You'll Need

  • Lacquer
  • Toothbrush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the snapping turtle shell. If the animal's carcass is still inside the shell you will need to remove it with a knife or set it outside where flies and other insects can clean the shell out for you. Remove as much of the carcass as you can.

    • 2

      Let the shell dry for at least a week after the carcass has been removed. This will make it much easier to remove the remaining flesh and bones from the inside of the shell.

    • 3

      Clean out the inside of the shell using a toothbrush and water. Using rubber gloves, gently scrub out any remaining organic matter out from the inside and the edges of the shell. Let dry until the water has evaporated.

    • 4

      Coat the inside and the outside shell in lacquer and let sit until the lacquer has dried. This will preserve the shell and make it resistant to damage.