Hobbies And Interests

How to Keep Snapping Turtles Out of My Pond

The snapping turtle, or Chelyhdra serpentine, is aptly named for its ferocious "snapping" when provoked or handled. The primitive-looking reptile can weigh up to 40 pounds, and if submerged in your pond, can gobble up your prized ducklings, fish, frogs and other turtles, in addition to beneficial insects, worms, snails and aquatic plants. To prevent this predation, turtle-proof your pond or trap the snappers when necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Alarm
  • Electic fencing
  • Elevated rim
  • Turtle traps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set a motion detector with a small electronic device that detects large invaders including slow moving large snappers. These alarms can send out a high-pitched beep and trigger flashing lights that will alert you to their presence. It won't send the snapper fleeing like it would herons or raccoons, but it will alert you to the possibility of a snapper in your realm.

    • 2

      Install electric fencing around your pond, or elevate the rim of your pond to act like a fence. An electric fence is easy to install and will deter snappers.

    • 3

      Trap snapping turtles that are not deterred by your efforts. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommends the use of wire funnel traps, set partially in the water at the pond's edge; or coil-spring traps positioned in over two feet of water, anchored to the bank and mounted to a wooden board and floated upside-down. The traps should be baited with fresh meat.


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