Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two turtles, one RES and one River Cooter. I met a girl today who had two turtles, which she thinks are alligator snappers (they are snappers with long tails and spikes on the back). She found them in a pool (we live in Georgia) and keeps them in a fishbowl, and is thinking about letting them go. I thought about taking them off her hands, but I don't know much about them but I do know they get really big and I don't know if I would be able to keep them either. I've always heard not to let a turtle go once it's been held captive, so what do you guys think would be the best thing for us to do with them? I definately want to get them into a better environment...they don't have a place to bask or anything. What should I do???

Assuming it's not against the law in Georgia to release turtles that have been in captivity, they could only be released this time of year if she only aquired them in the last few days. If she's had them for a while, they would have to be wintered over indoors and then released into a proper area next Spring when the weather is warm. And then they should probably be examined by a qualified vet or rehabber to make sure they are healthy. Actually, if they are over wintered indoors this winter, they should be housed outside for awhile in the Spring before they are released. If she's had them for a while, they wouldn't be acclimated to cool temps. Turtles have to acclimate to cold weather to survive. They just can't be suddenly released into it. And that's considering the warmer winters you have in Georgia. Another consideration is that if they are wild alligator snappers, those are protected by laws and should be turned over to someone with proper permits to care for them.

Is the Alligator Snapper quarter-size, just a hatchling?
I happen to need one for study, can you help me out?
Michael Fedzen
Herpetologist