Big ol' snapping turtle in my pond - a threat to the fish?

I had forgotten the giant snapping turtle in my pond until I saw the giant shell near where I was standing. What amazes me is that it even found my pond considering that there are no lakes or ponds within a mile though they can travel over a mile on land to lay eggs. I did some research to see what they eat and fish are a part of their diet but so is dead stuff/carrion, plants, insects, worms/leeches, frogs, small turtles (I've counted 6), crayfish, birds, small mammals. Plants account for 1/3 of their diet.
Note: "snapping turtles have no impact on fish populations" - but what about a small pond?

I was thinking of trapping and removing it but found there are laws against it and a hunting season where only gun or bow can only be used. (How do you kill a turtle with a bow unless it's sunning itself on the bank and you're a good shot when aiming for its neck?) I was hoping it might die of old age but found it can live for 40 yrs. or more.

Guess I'll just have to live with it. At least the annual spawns of different species has been going on for 12 yrs. since the pond was dug so if it eats small fish, no big deal.

They sure are an apex predator. No fear or backing up in them. It really must have traveled to get to your pond.
Bob

It looked at me until I swished the water and then it took off fast. Guess that made me the apex predator at that moment. Of course I wouldn't dangle my bare feet sitting on the dock. Toe trutle bites are no fun!

:fish

any fish in distress is done for and or any fish that lays still for long .
they also eat baby ducks like crazy in the spring .
you could ketch it on a heavy line with a big strong hook and relocate it ....
of course you would not want to advertise said happening if they are protected in your state ....
only handle it by the tail , that neck is VERY long and they strike WAY fast

As Ketchn said, a quiet relocation could work.
Bob

Considering what Ketch said and imagining myself being ridden to the ER with fingers or a wrist clamped in that big boys mouth has me thinking,
"it ain't so bad, I'll just add more fish". :dono

Rule of the 3 S’s - Shoot’em, shovel’em, and Shut-up :biggrin

"Guess I'll just have to live with it. At least the annual spawns of different species has been going on for 12 yrs. since the pond was dug so if it eats small fish, no big deal."

I agree, let it be.

The following is coincidentally true !!
Yesterday I was fishing a jig in 4 FOW and thought I snagged another tree stump - except the stump started to move. It didn't fight like a fish but I thought that at first sometimes big suckers or carp swim like nothing's wrong and then fight like no tomorrow. Well guess what? It was no fish nor stump. It was - wait for it wait for it .......

But as usual, I sometimes discover new things to add to my fishing log-of-discoveries which I'll start in a new post.









....a big ol' snapping turtle hooked in the neck!
It matched my pond turtle in size. Heck, they might even be cousins seeing as how I only live 10 min. from the lake. :dono
After a short struggle I was able to get the hook out without cutting the line. Guess I can't add that catch to the 2 doz. fish I caught. What was amazing was seeing so many painted turtles sunning themselves on logs all across the lake. It was like there was a turtle convention going on!

You’re a brave man to deal with those guys. That said, nice you got the hook out.
Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Flyfisher66048

Rule of the 3 S’s - Shoot’em, shovel’em, and Shut-up :biggrin

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You need to add an E. - Eatem

I've heard turtle soup is good made the right way,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

I've heard turtle soup is good made the right way,

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I’ve heard the same thing. I have been told it has a strong flavor, but never tried it.
Bob