Question: Can I release it after becomming too big for me ?

Answer: In general I wouldn't recommend to anyone taking a snapper for a pet unless they are prepared to keep it forever, even after it grows into that huge 'monster turtle'. It happens in life though that we have to part with our pets at times, and certainly people change those challanges as their lives change. There is also a need for a safe release of snappers which became 'temporary' pets as a result of rescue. So, in my opinion it is ok to release your snapper - it can't be done though anytime and anywhere. A person should carefully choose the right place which will become the snappers new home. It should be far away from people and roads, and prefferably a place where there already wild snappers populations established. They should never be released to a pond in the middle of public park or a lake where people come boating in summer. They should also never be released to a place that seems to be 'dead' - remember, they will have to find food ! A very important thing to remember is to make sure that the snapper is in perfect health and well fed prior to release. It should be let go in early summer, when the water is already getting a bit warmer and all the fish and other animals which are potential food for your turtle are starting to be active. Snapping turtles are intelligent and curious animals. Captive kept snappers will remember interacting with people, at least for a while, and might show no fear when approached by humans. Many people can be quite aggressive and destructive towards snappers in the wild, and such encounters end with the innocent and meaning no harm turtle dead many times. Think about your turtles future before letting it go - make sure nobody will find him or her ! To read more about snapping turtle hatchlings please click here Thanks for asking! Stan

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