according to the individual i spoke with ("pete the marine biologist", he said that snapping turtles are about the most adapting turtles in this area and would easily adapt when released regardless of age. he also said if i intended to release him, it would be best to keep him until he was a bit larger, giving him a better chance of survival, then to release him in an area with still water, such as a pond. that's essentially the plan. someone on freecycle is donating a tank, and once he's large enough to fend for himself, he will be released. I definitely don't intend to keep him for an extended period of time, certainly not past the point where he can actually hurt someone. i have a 2 year old and a 1 year old and we're not taking any chances. i have a cat living at my office because he bit the one year old once and my wife evicted him until she's older.