Several species of snapping turtles can be found throughout the United States and Canada as well as several other areas of the world. These creatures have a bad reputation for being aggressive because of their painful bite.
Aggressive Nature of Snapping Turtles
Snapping turtles are not aggressive predators, but they will become aggressive when provoked. When they bite humans, it is out of self-defense.
Bite Reach
Snapping turtles have very long necks that give them a long bite reach. In many species, their necks are just slightly shorter than the length of their shell.
Damage
The amount of damage done by a snapping turtle bite depends largely on the species and size of the turtle. Smaller turtles might just break the skin or leave a bruise, while larger turtles such as the alligator turtle can sever a finger.
Holding On
It is not uncommon for a snapping turtle to hold its grip for a period of time after it has bitten down. This might be a few seconds or a full minute, but in most cases, the best thing to do is wait for the turtle to release. Attempting to pry the mouth open can cause the turtle to clamp down harder.
Caring for a Bite
If the bite only leaves a shallow laceration, then it can be cleaned and cared for as you would any other cut. But deeper cuts or anything more serious should be looked at by a doctor.
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