How To Get Rid Of Snapping Turtles In The Pond

While there are some turtle species that can live peacefully in backyard ponds snapping turtles are typically not one of them. Not only are they carnivorous but also potentially dangerous. However before you try and catch one, you’ll want to know how to get rid of snapping turtles in the pond first.

Why Get Rid Of Snapping Turtles

Snapping turtles often get into ponds and lakes from nearby bodies of water. These carnivorous pond pests will eat your ornamental fish. They will also eat baby geese and ducks and even sometimes adult waterfowl as well.

Their dangerous bite can inflict serious wounds and snapping turtles are known to carry salmonella. It’s no wonder most people want to get rid of snapping turtles in ponds or lakes on their property as quickly as possible. Here’s what you’ll need to know to do so.

Check Local Regulations

Just like when trapping any other type of animal, you’ll want to check your local regulations when it comes to trapping but also transporting, and relocating snapping turtles. While in most areas it’s not a problem to do any of these it may not be legal where you live so it’s worth finding out first.

Choose A Trap

When choosing a snapping turtle trap you’ll want to purchase a live trap in order to make sure that the turtle is not harmed during the process. A live trap will also make transporting and releasing the turtle easy and safe for you as well. Live turtle traps come in two basic types: floating and non-floating.

Select A Bait

Snapping turtles are carnivores and therefore can easily be attracted into a trap using meat. Typically meats with strong scents work best. Pieces of beef, fish, along with liver and other internal animal organs, are all known to work well.

Set Your Trap

Place the bait inside of your trap. You’ll need to make sure that the bait is deep enough inside the trap so that the turtle has to enter fully inside in order to get to it. Place your trap in a shallow area since that is where snapping turtles like to hunt for food.

If you have a non-floating trap you will have to place it in a spot that is shallow enough so that part of it is out of the water. This will allow the snapping turtle to breathe. If the trap is fully submerged under the water the turtle will not be able to get any oxygen when inside and may drown.

Relocate

Once you catch the turtle you can relocate it to an appropriate river, pond, or lake. Be sure to be careful when transporting and releasing the turtle. Snapping turtles have an incredibly strong and painful bite that can do a lot of damage. And don’t forget that their necks can extend quite far and also quickly when they’d like to take a bite out of something.

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Snapping turtles have sharp claws that can easily cause deep scratches as well. Therefore when getting rid of snapping turtles, regardless of if you’re simply holding the trap or actually handing the turtle, you should wear heavy gloves to protect your fingers and hands.

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