PHOTOS: How to Safely Handle a Hudson Valley Snapping Turtle

The most misunderstood animal in New York State might be the snapping turtle. With lightning-fast reflexes and jaws that literally snap shut, residents wouldn't be blamed for staying far away from these prehistoric creatures.

While snapping turtles (and all wild animals) prefer to be left alone, these impressive reptiles occasionally need human help. Luckily, there are two simple tips that can help you (and your fingers) stay safe.

How to Safely Help New York Turtles

As the classic bumper sticker states, it's important to brake for turtles. While snapping turtles spend the majority of their time in bodies of water, they will leave the comfort of home during mating season, often crossing busy roads in the process.

Snapping Turtles in the Hudson Valley

While all kinds of turtle species are rescued from roadways (don't forget to help them cross in the direction they were already heading), snapping turtles can cause some potential rescuers to pause.

How to Safely Handle a Snapping Turtle

The good news is that one simple rule can help even a novice turtle-lover safely interact with a snapping turtle. As the video below explains, it all has to do with the snapping turtle's range of motion.

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Safe "Touch Locations" on a Snapping Turtle

As the wildlife professional above explained, snapping turtles can't reach the back of their shell or underneath their shell, giving potential-rescuers two options to safely handle the reptile.

The first "safe" zone is the back third of the turtle's shell, called a "shelf" (above). The animals also can't reach their underside, meaning that lifting the turtle from below (described as "waitress tray method") should also keep hands and fingers out of harm's way.

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Of course, these are just guidelines, and anyone unsure of how to properly handle a snapping turtle should contact a wildlife professional for help. Check out another New York animal with famous jaws below.