2007-11-26 23:59:01 · 13 answers · asked by Marvin 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
yes they will bite. depending on size the best bet would be to stand behind it and pick it up by the sides of his shell.
2007-11-27 00:02:54 · answer #1 · answered by heri623 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sorry, Marvin, but the gloves aren't gonna offer you any protection against being bitten by the turtle. He can bite right through the gloves. I've seen large alligator snappers bite sticks in half with those beaks. And keep in mind, their heads come out a lot further than you would think. They have quite a reach with they stretch that neck all the way out.
If you must handle them do it from behind. There's still no guarantee you won't be bitten, but that's the safest place to be when that turtle tries to snap. Have you considered using a heavy duty net to handle and transport them?
Google alligator snapping turtle. This is one of the first images that came up with a guy holding a turtle.
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:TF8Pl5Sdzx0ZSM:www.astfoundation.org/images/snapper3.jpg
Also, please keep this in mind before "handling" the turtles.
This turtle is protected from collection throughout much of its range. The IUCN lists it as a threatened species, and as of June 14, 2006 it will be afforded some international protection and be listed as a CITES III species (which will put limits on exportation from the United States).
The alligator snapping turtle is now endangered in several states, including Illinois
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alligator_snapping_turtle
2007-11-27 00:08:13 · answer #2 · answered by ~RedBird~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alligator Snapping Turtles should not be handled at all they can sever fingers and brake bones with a quick snap. If you have to have the animal remove best call the experts in to remove the turtle so that way it’s correctly handled for safety of the turtle and the handler. But if you have to move the turtle the best way to do so is by sliding fingers behind the turtle's hind legs, with the tail between the hands, and gripping the turtle between the fingers and thumbs. The handler then proceeds to lift the turtle only just off the ground, but only if you absolutely need to move the turtle. Another method is one hand at the base of the carapace, right behind the base of the neck and one hand at the back of the carapace, but do remember that they have a long neck and still might be able to reach you with that method. And yes the will still bite if you wear gloves and can bite through them with their mouth at over 1000 PSI.
2007-11-27 00:31:25 · answer #3 · answered by Mazume 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Not familiar with 'alligator' snappers but I do know the soft-shell variety from around here.
These critters are extremely xenophobic and will bite (snap) at most anything that gets within range of their snout. They are not poisonous but a bite can lead to infection if it breaks the skin. What's more, once they have a good grip, it's sometimes hard to convince them to let go.
Personally, I see no reason to tempt them to do what they already do instinctively. If you must handle them, apply gloved hands to either side of the mid-shell area where they cannot reach you.
2007-11-27 00:04:16 · answer #4 · answered by sincityq 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A broom handle with one snap?
BS!
Gator snappers have a NASTY bite (gloves or not), and a large specimen CAN sever a finger, but not a broom handle.
Carry it by the sides of the shell, towards the back, with the head facing away from you. NEVER carry a turtle by the legs or tail.
2007-11-27 02:04:55 · answer #5 · answered by Dion J 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are talking about an animal that can bite a broomstick in half with one snap. Even those kevlar gloves that protect meat packing workers from knife cuts will not stop that kind of force.
If you don't need to be near them then stay away. If you routinely are going to handle them at work get advice from some fellow worker who has experience and all ten fingers.
2007-11-27 00:32:02 · answer #6 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, they'll still bite.. It's best to try to handle them where they can't get to you. Hold them in the middle of the shell like you would a very hot plate. Be sure to wear some stout sleeves too, since they have sharp toenails too.
2007-11-27 00:03:30 · answer #7 · answered by Bob Thompson 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
This is an easy one hold them just in front of there rear legs. Even if you wear glove if one bites you, you are going to loose someting.
2007-11-27 00:03:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes and it wont let go gloves wont do a damn thing to stop it from biting you
2007-11-27 07:40:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yup, they will. And they can bite your finger right off too.
My uncle uses a shotgun to handle them.
Edit: I was kidding ppl!!!
grab them by the sides where they can't reach. They are heavy though, and they have a nice set of claws on them too. So be careful.
2007-11-27 00:02:31 · answer #10 · answered by kf 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋