Kentucky Snapping Turtle

[AudreyElizabeth]

 

[Boanerges]

That's cool looking!!! How big do they get? You got all kinds of cool animals at your house

 

[AudreyElizabeth]

Err. This one is a thorn in my side somewhat. My husband brought it home the size of a 50 cent coin (US) and it has grown to the size of my hand (in about two years). From what research I have done it grows to be about 45 pounds.
Even though it is a completely native species I would be hesitant to release it into the wild, or even a pond setting. It simply wouldn't be acclimated to the wild anymore.
Or would it? Instincts are very powerful, so maybe in a pond setting where it would be the dominate predator would be good, as long as it could prepare for the winter. We never planned to re-release it, but we are working towards buying land and digging a pond, with this bugger in mind. Until then of course I am going to provide it with the largest tank our budget can afford.
Does anyone have any information about snappers in a pond setting, AFTER being kept in an aquarium? Or any links? Please don't flame.

 

[Beardo]

I think as long as the turtle hasn't been exposed to other turtles while you've had it, you would be able to release it (in the spring of course) with no problems.

 

[El Viejo]

I believe that most of the experts would say not to release it. Personally, I would, but I also like your idea of a pond. That way you could still keep him around, and who knows what other critters you could attract with that. David's point is valid, as being exposed to other turtles could introduce diseases into a wild population and you don't want that.

 

[davidbarber1]

I LOVE Snappers. They were introduced to this section of the Colorado River (Havasu Lake) some time ago, but I have yet to see one. I know others who have. All I have seen are a few Soft-shelled Turtles and they are quite impressive in their own right. I also agree with David's point.

David

 

[Galapoheros]

Common Snappers are one of my favs. I think releasing it would be OK, instincts kick in really fast.

 

[LeilaNami]

Snappers aren't exactly domesticated

 

[blazetown]

There should be no issue with release of a species native to your area. If you try keeping it outside in a pond of your own you will have to put a fence around said pond. Snapping turtles wander alot. They also grow pretty fast and can bite fingers clean off easily lol.

 

[AudreyElizabeth]

Well, it has never been in contact with other turtles, so no worries about introducing disease into a wild population.
I'm not quite worried about it yet. This guy is REALLY cool though. He'll eat just about anything you drop in the tank. We feed him mostly crickets, nightcrawlers, fish and occasionally fish food.
Since I'm posting all my critters on here, I might as well venture out into the cold tomorrow to get pictures of my chickens.

 

[myrmecophile]

Neat turtle, snappers are very cool. In most states it is technically illegal to release an animal that has been in captivity, native or not. Keep in mind that it does not have to have been exposed to other turtles to have disease introduction be a potential issue.

 

[UrbanJungles]

DO NOT RELEASE IT.
Plese find a turtle rehabber or local zoo/collection that will take it. Snappers live in some nasty water (in captivity) as they have a heavy biological output. During this time in captivity, it's very possible your turtle could be carrying some sort of nasty that its immune to and when you release it you could be potentially releasing a new problem into the environment.

Gopher tortoises from California to Florida are currently in danger because of this very reason, years ago a few specimens were released from captivity into the wild and established a very nasty virus the wild tortoise population is currently battling.

Any trained herpetologist knows it's bad form to capture and keep something in captivity for a while then release it back to the wild.

 

[MizM]

Agreed. My brother found a little cooter while driving back roads here in Texas. It was in the middle of the road and didn't seem inclined to move. He brought it home, built it a lovey outdoor pond and now Sam is as happy as can be.