“How dangerous can an terrapin bite be?” Someone, bitten by an aggressive terrapin just a couple of days ago, asked me. I comforted him by saying, “Don’t worry, just take proper medicine and care.”

 

Juvenile little terrapins look cute, but once they grow up, their appearance begins to take on a prehistoric look, enough to scare most brave hearts. Some species of fully grown adult terrapins grow enormous and can acquire terrifyingly powerful jaws.

 

Aquatic turtles are preyed on by various predators, including humans. But larger ones, like alligator snapping turtles (the largest terrapin found in North America), can behave more like potential predators than pitiful prey.

 

They look fierce in their spiked armor (carapace) and powerful, horny, jagged beak-like jaws. The jaws are terrifyingly powerful, and according to a popular belief, you can get rid of a terrapin bite only when it thunders. Their body color also helps them blend in with their surroundings.

 

Pet terrapins are cute, gentle and shy to be sure, but they are wild by nature, so you should give it some time before it gets used to your touch and its surroundings. Therefore ‘handling carefully’ is the first message for aquatic turtle owners.

 

Remember that the first turtles appeared 180 million years ago and proudly walked this earth along with the dinosaurs.

 

Unlike many other reptiles, terrapins are not poisonous. But their bite can carry an important bacterium called Salmonella. Aquatic turtles carry these bacteria on the surface of their bodies or excrete them. It can pose a serious threat and can also be fatal to humans if proper medical assistance is not available in time.

 

Children should also receive proper training on the do’s and don’ts of handling terrapins. A child under the age of 5 should not be allowed to handle an aquatic turtle. An energetic snap can cause a severely painful injury to an adult human. For young children, it can be as serious as amputation of fingers.

 

Similarly, due to careless handling, an aquatic turtle can remain unhappy and upset as well. Try to avoid that and take care of it properly.

 

But in case some turtle has tried to bite you, don’t panic. Wash the wound well under running water with carbolic soap, then apply an antibiotic ointment. Tell your doctor immediately and later if there is any discomfort.

 

The sumptuous food, happy atmosphere, and kind and gentle care will tame your terrapin in no time.

 

From now on, no more bites!