
Wildlife of Tennessee · Pond, Creek and Water Animals
Common Snapping Turtle in Tennessee
Has a strong bite and a long neck, so never lift one by the tail. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Common Snapping Turtle
Animals around ponds, creeks and shorelines flood land, burrow into banks and take fish and poultry. The right control depends on the animal and the water.
Identify First
Risk: Has a strong bite and a long neck, so never lift one by the tail.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a common snapping turtle.
- Large turtle crossing a yard or road in spring
- A nest hole dug in loose soil or mulch
- Missing fish and ducklings in backyard ponds
Usually Harmless
What We Do About the Common Snapping Turtle
This animal is usually harmless, and removal is often not needed. We can identify it, move it when it is in a bad spot and help prevent a repeat.
Prevention
Keep Them Away
Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.
- Protect valuable trees with wire wrap
- Use culvert guards to stop beaver dams
- Fence ponds and coops against otters and mink
- Check rules before trapping or moving any animal
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Humane ExclusionFree Tool
What Animal Is It? Identifier
Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
Tennessee RulesTennessee Wildlife Rules Every Homeowner Should Know
Wildlife is regulated in Tennessee. That is good for animals, and it means homeowners should know the basics before acting.
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Hiring and ProcessDIY Wildlife Removal: Common Mistakes That Make It Worse
Doing it yourself can work for a small problem, but the most common mistakes make it bigger and harder to fix.
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Identify the Animal10 Signs You Have Wildlife in Your Home
You do not always see the animal. Here are ten signs that something has moved in.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a common snapping turtle?
Common signs: large turtle crossing a yard or road in spring; a nest hole dug in loose soil or mulch; missing fish and ducklings in backyard ponds.
Is a common snapping turtle dangerous?
Has a strong bite and a long neck, so never lift one by the tail. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a common snapping turtle?
This animal is usually harmless, and removal is often not needed. We can identify it, move it when it is in a bad spot and help prevent a repeat. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Free Estimate
Tell Us What Is Going On
Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
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