Photos: 205 lb. Alligator Snapping Turtle; 80 lb. Common Snapper

[findi]

Hi All,
I had the good fortune of working with these 2 massive turtles at the Bronx Zoo; thought you might enjoy the photos.
Read article here The Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj.

Thanks, Frank

 

[Kaysie]

That's a big turtle, Frank! Was it aggressive?

 

[findi]

That's a big turtle, Frank! Was it aggressive?

Hi Kaysie,

It was easy to work with in the exhibit...they rarely move, can remain submerged for 2 hours; had been in captivity a long time and well-adjusted. We never allowed our hands to stray near the head when working, as they strike at movement.

When moving it as in photo, for vet work etc., w had to be extremely careful, as it would bite anything within reach; fortunately, neck not as long or flexible as common snapper, strike slower. I have a photo of a man who lost 2 fingers to a much smaller specimen.....

Best, Frank

 

[snuggly time]

I built an enclosure for a Common Snapping Turtle many years ago for my college dissertation. The turtle was big, but not as big as that one! Such powerful and impressive creatures. :wacko:

 

[findi]

I built an enclosure for a Common Snapping Turtle many years ago for my college dissertation. The turtle was big, but not as big as that one! Such powerful and impressive creatures. :wacko:

I believe the common snapper in the photo is near the record, at least for one newly captured. One captive reached 86 pounds, and I'm sure they can get even heavier on captive diets, being fed year-round, etc.

Glad you enjoyed, best, Frank