Alligator Snapping Turtle Bites Researcher

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Alligators Snapping Turtles Bites Researcher Missouri Conservation
mowildlife
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    mowildlife
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  • Added: 16-Oct-07

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 was able to 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/

  1. Categories: Pets & Animals
Comments on

Alligator Snapping Turtle Bites Researcher

5 Comments | Add Comment
  • Dang that S**ks !

    Dang that S**ks !

    By owlking88 [Affiliate User] 1232677792 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • Holding the mouth ...

    Holding the mouth closed for a few years was thought to be a good technique to control the turtle. This turtle happened to be faster and smarter then the average turtle of that species. Now, I only hold the mouth shut of small turtles, 8 pounds or smaller, I have developed better techniques for removing them from nets using "special tools." And no, the special tool was not a knife.

    By Delticola [Affiliate User] 1232595304 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • never know go in ...

    never know go in the woods with a camra and just walk around bing a good friend might find somthin

    By jgmtiger [Affiliate User] 1232505156 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • hahahaahah hes like ...

    hahahaahah hes like uhh uhhh

    By CUBANO76 [Affiliate User] 1232484612 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • Did that bite hurt? ...

    Did that bite hurt? I wish that there were some strange creatures in the UK where I live. America is filled with more than Britain.

    By ukmenace123 [Affiliate User] 1232484187 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
5 Comments | Add Comment