Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Using a turtle trap
• Method 2 of 2: Catching the turtle by hand
• Warnings

Do you have a turtle in your pool or pond? If the answer is yes, then you are probably wondering how you can catch it. To catch a turtle, you can use one of the following methods.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using a turtle trap

1. 1 Determine where the turtle is. If your turtle lives in a pool or pond, then obviously you already know where to look for it. If you want to catch a turtle in the wild, you can look around small, rocky lakes with suitable hiding places nearby. You can look for a turtle in shallow water, near the water's edge.
   • It is best to leave your turtle in its natural habitat rather than taking it home as a pet. If it seems to you that the place where the turtle has settled is unsafe for its life, then you should report this to the competent authorities for the protection of wildlife.
2. 2 Dig a turtle trap hole. The pit should be about 25 cm deep and 25 cm wide with very steep slopes. The shape of the pit does not matter, but the pit should be deep enough for the turtle to reach.
   • Do not dig a hole deeper than 28 cm. Falling into a deep hole can seriously harm your turtle.
   • You can also set a pre-purchased trap. If you search, you can find traps from various manufacturers on sale, including craftsmen who have developed their own unique trap designs.
3. 3 Prepare the bait for the trap. Most turtles love leafy green vegetables and small insects, but you can experiment with different foods. If you do not plan to stay at the trap during the day and want to return later, then more bait should be placed in the trap.
   • Different types of turtles eat different foods. There are scavenger turtles that eat the remains of other dead animals, so it may be necessary to use small pieces of raw meat to catch some species of turtles.
   • Remember to put bait around the trap. Place enough bait around the trap for the turtle to notice, but when it is eaten, it will not be full before it enters the trap. Chopped lettuce leaves scattered around the trap can be a good bait to catch your turtle.
4. 4 Wait for the turtle to approach the trap. Have her eat the bait near the trap and then go inside the trap itself.
   • If the turtle ignores or does not notice food, you need to quietly approach it from behind and quickly touch its tail with a stick. This will most likely scare the turtle and cause it to run forward straight into the hole.
   • If you have other things to do and are tired of waiting for the turtle to come to the trap, you can leave the trap for a while. But then catching the turtle may take longer, since other animals may eat the bait while you are away.
5. 5 Get the turtle out of the trap. Hold the turtle by the middle of the shell, making sure your fingers are away from the turtle's limbs.
   • Turtles have large claws that can scratch unexpectedly hard. Also, many turtles bite very sensitively, so be careful.
   • If you do not want to touch the turtle, then you can get it out of the trap with a bucket or shovel. If you were using a pre-made trap instead of a hole, simply lift it up to move the turtle.
6. 6 Move the turtle to its natural habitat. Before fishing for turtles, research what types of turtles live in your area. Some turtles are harmless and safe to catch. Other turtles are considered invasive species (dangerous to human health), and then you will definitely need the advice of a herpetologist or wildlife protection organizations. You must definitely decide on what kind of turtle you will catch, and how you will do it.

Method 2 of 2: Catching the turtle by hand

1. 1 Assess which turtle you are dealing with before you start catching it. The manual fishing method works best with small turtles.
   • If you want to catch a large turtle, you need to sneak up on it and grab the sides of the shell.
   • Be careful with turtles! If you find out that this species of turtles bite, keep in mind that they will most likely try to do this by arching their long neck. It is best not to touch them.
2. 2 If you see a turtle nearby, dip your fingers into the water. Slowly slide your fingers through the water, imitating the movement of insects on the surface of the water - this is how the turtle will pay attention to you.
3. 3 Let the turtle get closer. But not close enough to bite you. You should estimate the distance when you can grab it with your hand.
4. 4 Grab the sides of the tortoise quickly. If you are afraid to handle the turtle with your hands, you can bring a small container. You can also wear gardening gloves or winter gloves to prevent the turtle from scratching or biting you.
5. 5 Watch your turtle, but don't take it home. It is always interesting to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. Sadly, many species of turtles, like many other wild animals, are disappearing from the face of our planet. We can help them survive by protecting and preserving their natural habitat.

Warnings

• You must know the laws of your state or region and act in accordance with them. Some species of turtles are listed in the Red Book and it is forbidden to catch them. For example, in Russia, such species include the Far Eastern tortoise (Trionix).
• After contact with a turtle, be sure to wash your hands! Some reptiles are known to be carriers of salmonellosis, and you can easily become infected by contact with them. Fortunately, infection can be easily prevented by washing your hands thoroughly.