Alligator Snapping Turtle Bites Researcher

Footage of a research student as he was collecting information about this rare species in Missouri.
The turtle nabbed the researcher's finger as he was removing it from the net in preparation of taking measurements. The researcher used a special tool to help pry his finger free from the turtle's mouth without harming the turtle. The special tool used to pry his finger free is NOT a knife. It's a steel knife sharpener.
The researcher suffering a cracked fingernail and a nasty cut around his finger and recovered from his wounds.
The turtle was released back to the wild unharmed.
This "small" alligator snapping turtle weighed close to 30 pounds.
The largest alligator snapping turtle found in Missouri weighed 128 pounds.
People should not handle nor fear these turtles. If you're swimming or fishing near them, their best interest is to get out of your way.
The inherent risks involved in handling wildlife are part of the danger research scientists face while studying these fascinating creatures.
http://www.mdc.mo.gov/nathis/endangered/endanger/allsnap/

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• alligator
• snapping
• turtle
• bite
• missouri
• conservation
• outdoors
• nature
• reptile
• wildlife

[snakesteve68]

That had to hurt! Alligator Snapping Turtles are amazing and ancient creatures! If you see one please don't try to handle it or hurt it. They are best admired from a distance and left alone.

[hossiet]

That guy is tough! A real professional, with respect for the animal. That's what I like to see.

[TwinUzis]

Yeah, I think if it was me, I'd have been yelling a lot more. Maybe spit on it before I threw it back in.

[spiderelectra321]

hahaahha nice dude that was sweet

[sephirothdarkanjel65]

@snakesteve68 me and my friend found one one time i handled him but only because my friend was scared but i only moved him because he was at a gas station parking lot and i thought it was just a cool looking turtle he reminded me of bowser but he did try to bite me and when he tried to thank god he missed but we ended up moving him with a shovel and we let him go in a river and i named him snappy because when he tried to bite me it made a really load klook noise

[JGrocks18]

man i didnt know these were rare i have one in my nabors pond and this thing is really mean and sneas up to try and bite our finger when we try and clean are hands off.

[keymankeys1960]

LOL .....new research shows snapping turtle will bite...think I know why they arent named " BIG SOFT FLUFFY TURTLE"

[superwhiz88]

i would kill it and eat it for dinner

[SaladinSaladin22]

that looks painful... i bet if the camera wasnt on he woulda thrown that thing half way down the river haha. maybe thats jus me

[vrfl]

And taken a cab to bel air?

[Doggorunning]

he was real lucky

[lailum]

thats wut i call a MAN, i wouldve screamed for my mom had that been me