Alligator Snapping Turtle Bites Researcher

1993 footage of a research student as he was collecting information about this rare species in Missouri.
The special tool used to pry his finger free is NOT a knife. It's a piece of flat cutlery steel used for sharpening knives.
The turtle nabbed the researcher's finger as he was removing it from the net in preparation of taking measurements.
The researcher suffering a cracked fingernail, a nasty cut around his finger, and nerve damage 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
• Bites
• Researcher
• Missouri
• conservation
• outdoors
• nature
• wildlife
• attacks

[TheMysteryman334]

he took that like a man.

[yutube1alm]

heres where he made the mistake... lets grab a 75 lb turtle by the face

[tjbajsfvr66]

Its funny because he said "you have to be careful when they want to bite you". When he puts it down, it bites him

[TameTurtlez]

the interesting thing is the turtle still thinks he's biting the victim once something is in his mouth (the tool), so the researcher still has his other hand close to the turtles mouth. but if you ask me, i think his other hand got bit when the video cut off, loool.

[FlatulousMaximus]

Grandpa says those things won't let go until it thunders.....

[johnnymassacre]

I could have told you within 5 seconds to destroy this creature with a bomb of some kind, judging by its nightmarish appearance.

[fckbp]

The way he was holding that turtle was lol

[phillyflash43]

Those things are why I'll never understand why people engage in the sport of "noodling" for catfish...you could lose a whole hand to one of these...

[justwatchinthevideos]

@RenoDoctor NEVER grab a turtle by the tail. You could easily dislocate a vertebrate.

[marcjtdc]

thank you for the very timely info. i have always had a fear of swimming with them.

[tsadkiel2008]

@RenoDoctor i dont think "tough work gloves" will help just a thought

[vote4reggae]

damn i wanna cook that thing... think the meat tastes like crocodile