06/11/2026
While driving today, we came across a snapping turtle in the middle of a very busy road. Somehow, he had made it halfway across and then stopped. We immediately pulled over to help him safely continue on his journey.
As Brad mentions in the video, it’s important to know how to properly handle a snapping turtle. Their bite is incredibly powerful, and they can reach surprisingly far with their necks when they feel threatened. Never pick one up by the tail, as this can seriously injure the turtle. Instead, if it’s safe to do so, gently guide it across the road in the direction it was already heading. Brad was able to carefully lift it by the rear of its shell while keeping his hands away from its head.
An interesting fact about snapping turtles is that they don’t reach sexual maturity until around 18 years of age. Because they take so long to mature and face many threats from predators, habitat loss, and road traffic, every adult turtle plays an important role in maintaining healthy populations.
We’re grateful we were able to help this ancient traveler safely reach the other side!