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How to Catch a Razorback Musk Turtle

As one of the world's smallest turtles, the razorback musk turtle grows up to 6 inches in length. It gets its name from the sharp keel down the center of its shell and the scent glands under the rear of its shell, which release a musky odor to drive off predators. The turtle will also bite if harassed. The razorback musk turtle is native to the U.S. and can be found in southeastern Oklahoma, central Arkansas, East Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Things You'll Need

Chicken liver or small fish
Hoop net
Short poles
Latex or rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location based on the razorback musk turtle's habitat. It lives in rivers with little current, slow-moving streams, creeks, swamps and ponds.
- 2
  Prepare the turtle trap by putting bait in the hoop net. A hoop net is about 6.5 feet long and consists of nylon mesh stretched over hoops of galvanized steel. It has a funnel-shaped entrance and is closed at the other end. Razorback musk turtles are carnivorous and would be drawn to chicken liver or small fish as bait.
- 3
  Place the baited net horizontally in a pool or stream that is deep enough to submerge the bait but shallow enough to have a breathing space at the top.
- 4
  Position the hoop net so the water flows into the net, making it easy for a razorback musk turtle to swim into the trap. Set it near rocks or woody debris.
- 5
  Wedge the short poles through the edges of the net and into the mud bottom of the pond or stream to keep the trap in place and give it shape.
- 6
  Check the turtle trap daily and replace the bait as needed.
- 7
  Remove a turtle from the trap using the latex or rubber gloves.

Animals & Science