Scenario

You hook a snapping turtle while fishing

 

Action

Reel it in slowly: you do not want the hook to set in deeper or have the line break

Use a fish landing net or paddle to bring the snapping turtle out of the water

If the hook or entangled line can be removed safely it will require two people wearing thick gloves

One person holds the turtle in the “standard” pick up mode from its back half and the other person cuts away the tangled line and removes the hook if possible

 

If the hook is embedded anywhere near its mouth, call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre 705-741-5000

 

Additionally

 

Call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for help or advice 705-741-5000

 

DO NOT

Cut your fishing line: the turtle may survive but will not be able to eat and swim effectively

 

DO NOT

Lift the turtle out of the water with the fishing line: it will only set the hook in deeper and increase the risk of the line breaking

 

DO NOT

Lift the turtle out of the water by its tail: this can cause serious permanent spinal damage to the turtle

 

DO NOT

Pick up a snapping turtle anywhere in the front two-thirds of its upper shell: it will likely bite in self-defence