Snapping Turtles

[Guest guest]

Snapping Turtles are large and fearsome looking reptiles. Although

they have an intimidating look, snapping turtles are shy creatures

that will not attack swimmers or bathers. Snapping turtles have no

real enemies in the water, so they have no reason to be aggressive

there. People are also too large to be considered as a source of

food to these turtles. If approached in the water, these turtles

will merely crawl away. Furthermore, snapping turtles usually

frequent murky and swampy areas of lakes and ponds. These areas are

usually not popular swimming sites. These turtles are only defensive

when they are threatened and feel vulnerable on land. This is due to

the fact that the snapping turtle's bottom shell does not give it

the adequate protection other turtles have. If left alone there is

no reason that we cannot peacefully co-exist with these interesting

and beautiful reptiles. If you leave them alone when encountered,

there is no way of being hurt by one. Despite this, countless

numbers of snapping turtles are heartlessly killed by people every

year out of fear and a lack of understanding. Turtles are also

hunted for food. This is far different than eating regular food like

pork, chicken, or beef. These foods are bred for our consumption.

Snapping turtles are not. Large scale harvesting of turtles can

seriously harm population numbers, and in recent years the numbers

of these turtles has fallen. Snapping turtles have been around for

millions of years and we should give these creatures the respect

they deserve. All they need from us is the freedom to be left alone

without persecution.

 

Notes:

It is a common misconception that snapping turtles can be moved by

holding them by their long tails. Handling turtles in such a way can

cause serious damage to their spine. The best way to hold such a

turtle(which is usually unnecessary) is by the back feet or back of

the shell

[Guest guest]

" Turtles are also hunted for food. This is far different than eating

regular food like pork, chicken, or beef. These foods are bred for our

consumption " . I share your compassion for turtles; however, I feel all

animals have the same right. If people started raising turtles on

factory farms for consumption would it make it ok to eat them? That is

the impression I got from your statement. Pork (Pig), Chicken, and Beef

(cow) are living, feeling, innocent, harmless animals as well. Make the

connection! Do not send emails to me preaching one sided compassion

becuase it does not make any sense to me.