Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) very large male

Straight Carapace Length (SCL) = 14.5"
Maximum Carapace Width (MCW) = 9"
Weight = 30 lbs
Gender = male
Named: Hellboy
Comments:
   - full-grown male, in Ohio County, KY

   - removed from a beaver trap, 9-Jun-06

   - released 11-Jun-06

   - safe handling technique:
     • use gloved hands to improve grip and protect from claws
     • grasp carapace (upper shell) firmly just forward of hind legs
     • really big Snappers will turn toward their pursuers and position themselves for a lunge attack
     • keep your face and everyone else's body parts well away from the turtle's head

   - never pick a Snapping Turtle up by the tail:
     • unnecessary, and compromises control of animal and handler's safety
     • likely to cause severe injury
     • causes extreme stress and agitation
 
 

	Note swollen tail with distal cloaca (near gloved hand for size and location reference only) sure signs of internal male reproductive structures
	Things to remember: • powerful turtles • escape driven • ready to tangle • can inflict severe tissue damage Think it through!

	Note that the exertion of his struggle caused his copulatory organ to protrude!