Snapping Turtle Recovers After Surgery

Editor’s Note: The common snapping turtle is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect our wildlife. Read previous cases here. 

A Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) weighing about 7 pounds was recently admitted to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). A vehicle struck the turtle while it was trying to cross US Route 17 between Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The vehicle left the turtle with a significant crack in the back half of his shell.

Because of the severity of the break, the shell required surgical stabilization. CROW’s veterinary staff used mounted brackets and zip ties to draw the fractured pieces together. Shell fractures need careful management because the shell is a living structure composed of bone and vascularized tissue. Healing can be long and depends on maintaining stability, protecting the injured tissues, and closely monitoring for complications.

This patient is now recovering well following treatment. With continued care and rehabilitation, CROW expects the fracture will heal, at which point this turtle can be released back into its natural habitat.

Get to Know the Common Snapping Turtle
Common Snapping Turtles are freshwater reptiles native to much of North America, including Florida. They live in ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, and other freshwater environments and spend much of their time submerged. As opportunistic omnivores, they help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems by feeding mainly on fish, aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, and plants.

The plunger is used for restraining the turtle’s head as the wound is examined.

Despite their intimidating appearance and powerful jaws, snapping turtles generally avoid confrontation in the water. However, on land they may become defensive if they feel threatened, so always give them plenty of space. These turtles can grow remarkably large, with some individuals reaching around 35 pounds or more. Roads pose a serious threat, especially during nesting season when they travel over land to find mates or nesting sites.