I HATE FINDING THINGS LIKE THIS
Some things just get to me.
There are so many animals killed each year based upon only thing, the ignorance of man. If you've seen some of my posts, you know that I really enjoy the creatures of this world and seem to find a lot of them in the wild. Many that I have shared about happen to be snakes and turtles.
HANDLING WILD ANIMALS
I am comfortable handling and interacting with these creatures, even to the point that I'll grab a 50# snapping turtle by the throat. My purpose in this is not to harm the creature, but just to safely control it if I need to move or relocate one.
Many creatures that I have relocated would have otherwise been killed if I had not been there. Here is a video where I got a call from my neighbors about a rattlesnake. A few years ago, before I moved into the are, this snake would have been a goner.
I like being able to step in during situations like that and not only keep them safe from a creature that they fear, but also to keep the creature safe from the people who fear it.
AN UNFORTUNATE DEATH
A few months ago, I returned to Wisconsin with my family and spent some time enjoying some of the areas that I frequented up there. One such place was an area where I used to find a lot of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders. I took my oldest son, Monster Truck the Pepper, along for the adventure.
We like enjoying time like this together, and were off for a real adventure. I'm trying to edit some video so that I can share more about with you soon, but for now I'll just share the unfortunate thing that we found.
POOR SNAPPER
What we found was the shell of a snapping turtle. To have just a shell left, the turtle had to die.
While this turtle could have died naturally, the majority of dead snapping turtles that I find in the wild appear to have been killed my humans. It is most unfortunate, but this is not uncommon. Much like with snakes, many people lack an understanding about these wild creatures, which too often leads to an unrealistic fear of them.
Isn't it interesting that when some people fear that an animal may be dangerous or capable of hurting someone, they hurt or kill it instead?
BAD SITUATION - BUT A NEAT SHELL
In typical @papa-pepper style, I used this situation as an educational and instructional opportunity with my boy. I can't imagine him ever finding one of these incredible creatures in the wild and choosing to bash its head in, but I might as well make sure he knows full well that I believe such activity is wrong.
I took the shell home to let it dry, and soon the scutes fell off leaving behind the incredibly created bone structure beneath. With some clearcoat and careful handling, shells like these can be preserved and last for years to come. It'll be a chance for me to show others what lies beneath the surface of the Snapping Turtle's shell without having to dissect one.
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-shell
Until next time…
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I never knew that tortoise grew such long nails
The Common Snapping Turtles can grow claws that almost look like bear claws sometimes! I've gotten many a nasty wound from them in my time.
They R precious creatures @pap-pepper
Yes they are. Thanks!
I liked what I've read on your post @papa-pepper but I am just not sure if those wild animals are safe for you and for other people. I am not discounting the fact to have a concern with these living creatures but for me I guess it's better to leave them in the wild.
My point was that people do not need to kill them upon sight. Secondly, wild animals often find their way into "our territory" and I enjoy being capable of safely handling them so that I can relocate them.
I've been doing this for over 30 years, and consider them to be "safe for me," but I do sincerely appreciate your concern.
I am pro-life, yes I agree with you. It looks like you really enjoyed and have the expertise in handling wild animals with those years of doing it. So keep it up then. Cheers! :)
Thanks @beachpersona!
watch those choppers. enjoy ur safari.
Oh yeah, I sure will!
Nice post! What will happening, if someone resteem your post?
No more spam please - looking at your responses - I would say that you well know what happens when someone resteems a post.
Man, more help once again! What will happen, if someone upvotes your comment?
A grateful wave of emotion shall pass over the poster, a commentary victory has been achieved!
That is so sad, surely a turtle cannot harm anyone! We occasionally find snakes in our garden but fortunately they're mostly harmless grass snakes. I'm still terrified of them but they must be even more alarmed by us humans :)
We once had a leguaan inside our home (we live near a river) & hubby went to great trouble to capture it & took it back to the river. Used to have a couple around our pool area, was so funny watching them chase the poor blue-headed lizzards. Sadly it's more built-up now so we no longer have them wandering into our garden ;)
Wow, that must have been so cool to see those big lizards wander in and walk around the pool!
this strong animal is a friend, though he is a little slow.
You are braver than I am papa. My brother has a big pond on his property and when we find snapper on or near the road we use a shovel to move him to safety.
Shovels can be helpful, just don't grab them by the tail or you could sterilize them.
No problem there. I've seen what snappers are capable of first hand and I'm not touching any part of them.
LOL! Yeah, they can be fun!
this good, what's a friend's pet.
Lovely post! Unfortunately, because of their ignorance, people kill not only wild animals but also domestic animals. For fear that a dog can bite, a person simply kills a dog. It's so much easier than trying to make contact with an animal or just to understand it (((
So sad.