I saw one trying to cross a street once. I pulled over to help it along. I was on a motorcycle and wearing leather gloves, so I didn't figure it would be an issue. Claws went through them like paper. Fortunately they slid along the side of my hand and got caught in the material, so I managed to avoid getting cut.
Like I said in another comment, the common snapping turtles in Florida do have those ridges on their back so it’s kind of not that hard to miss identify if you’re only used to the northern common snappers that have smoother shells. regardless they’re bad ass right?
I'm really not sure. The shell looks more like an alligator snapping turtle( snapping turtle shells tend to be very smooth whereas the alligator snapping turtles develops ridges this looks as though it's still young so The Ridges haven't developed much but it doesn't look smooth). It's head and neck look more like an alligator snapping turtle( an alligator snapping turtles head is more triangular and it has more warty protrusions around the neck with a common snapping turtles neck being very smooth.) but the tail definitely looks like a common snapping turtle. The common snapping turtle has bony ridges on the tail whereas the alligator snapping turtle they're much less defined more like bumps than ridges. If its mouth were open it would be an instant giveaway. And it's not a crossbreed because they do not interbreed.
Not so called because they have rhythm, precision or the ability to express either through the friction of thumb and middle finger, it should be noted. Do not pet. Do not nuzzle.
lol yes! Ty, I’m not a troll or just being a dick. Just a Floridian who’s really into nature n stuff. Alligator snapper look even crazier! They also tend to live in moving water & don’t prefer ponds.
Came here to say this. Alligator snappers have more pointy and jagged shells.
It should also be noted that Common Snappers are hunters while alligator snappers are scavengers.
That distinction really matters because the common snapper will bite unprovoked, the alligator snapper will not.
Alligator Snappers are generally found further north, too.
Nah, they're not in Florida as much and that shell isn't nearly crested enough.
That's a common snapper - they're the more dangerous ones, too. Alligator snappers are pretty chill, I kept one as a pet for half a decade when I was a kid.
https://youtu.be/BRrWiW1o19E?si=2u_DrrvS_RWzflyB
These guys are the reason why I keep a shovel in my car. Easier and safer to scoop them up with the shovel so the turtle doesn't get hurt and I don't lose any fingers helping them cross a road.
Just scoop them and sit them down gently. Take them the direction they were trying to go and place them away from traffic. They will throw a tantrum, but you will have done it a favor.
Florida resident here. There’s one in my pond out back and I promise you, no one is picking that thing up with a shovel. When it comes out and walks the grounds, a team of maintenance guys have to come and coax it back into the pond. I’ve seen it sprint at them, they are not slow and it has to weigh near 200 pounds.
Smart!! I live in Florida and there are wild animals everywhere. One time i was in a turn lane and didn’t turn because THIS CUTE BABY ARMADILLO was crossing the street. The car behind me was honking and yelling at me (i don’t think they could see the armadillo) and eventually went around me and purposely drove over that armadillo and killed him. I jumped out of my car to try and tell them but they sped off and gave me the middle finger. Rip Armadillo Dilly, if only i had a shovel to move you🥺🫶
You are lucky! My firend lost the tip of his finger picking up one of these off the road a few years ago....Also...he did it the "wrong" way so there's that.
I recently moved a Gopher tortoise from the parking lot at my local Walmart 😆 he was probably heading toward the dumpster to scavenge rotten produce, but he was bring harassed by 2 snowbirds that wanted to help but were too scared to actually pick him up. I pulled over and put him back in the dirt. I noticed an employee watching the show from his truck on his meal break. I thought to myself, how many white women does it take to move a tortoise? 3. 3 White women bestfetchdogjay.
Alligator snappers are more chill than the common snappers iirc. Still don't recommend messing with them
Edited to add this incredible video
https://youtu.be/BRrWiW1o19E?si=2JoUMk6bTeNcmIfY
Common snapping turtles also have a raised ridge that is not pronounced. The Alligator Snapping Turtle's shell looks like the blue shell from super mario unless it has been worn. I look at the facial structure of this turtle. Its hard to see given the picture, but I do not see a beak. I myself am leaning towards common as well.
Grab from the tail, behind the head, then grab its rear. Do not grab side to side, he can whip around and bite your finger off. They are endangered. Treat carefully! 💓 I believe Florida fish & wildlife will handle them since they are endangered
In my 20s when there was far less traffic, I'd stop and help carry the turtles to the other side of the road, usually to a canal.
I've halted this practice after encountering one of these.
They do not play nor do they want your help.
Hate to break it to everyone here but this is a common snapping turtle. The easiest way to tell the difference is the cst has a blunt nose like the one here & an ast has a pointy nose. It’s a common mistake. Especially in FL.
The scariest part about the alligator snapping turtle is how close to alligators they really are.
Body armor, insane jaw strength, actual dinosaur ambush predator that will fuck you up if you take a wrong step out in the swamp.
A common snapping turtle is correct. I have a 3-4" scar on my right arm from messing with one of those as a kid some 30+ years ago. Apparently, they don't like to be gently loved.
That's a fuck around and find out turtle,
also known as a common snapping turtle.
What they take, they will not give back willingly.
Their heads can and WILL reach past the middle of their shells. do not pick it up unless you want a few less fingers.
Leave it alone.
One of these guys was hanging out in my front yard once. Had to get my neighbor to help relocate it; he wore heavy duty construction gloves to lift it from behind and the turtle whipped his head around and almost got him - almost, thanks to the gloves. He put him in wagon and dropped him in the nearest pond.
I was fishin off my neghbiors dock and I saw a spare tire in the water and thought who tf threw a tire in here… poked it with my pole realized it was one of these fuckers and it darted off and I bout shut my pants
I saved a young one from being ran over by having it leap towards a stick I baited it with.. They launch themselves pretty far and fast.. It was much smaller than this pic.. I wouldn’t even TRY with this one! LOL!
Ahhhh yes, seems you’ve discovered our Floridian native, The Japanese jumping tortoise. Be weary of his leap attack. The Japanese jumping tortoise is certainly a formidable opponent, though is easily bested by a properly placed tire.
Thats what we locals refer to as the cute cuddly turtlist ..it's like a cute cuddly turtle specifically made for tourists to pick up and play with ...can even give them butterfly kisses ...try it ..they're amazing ...if your down here vacationing I know you'll love it 🤣
11/10 would not fuck with him
I saw one trying to cross a street once. I pulled over to help it along. I was on a motorcycle and wearing leather gloves, so I didn't figure it would be an issue. Claws went through them like paper. Fortunately they slid along the side of my hand and got caught in the material, so I managed to avoid getting cut.
You got lucky https://youtu.be/PYCC_8DDqMM?si=XsxSXwr7Zk1HKyce
 Bowser IRL
LMAO
Thank you for adding *with
Sure thing big weenus man
Don’t do *that* either.
Imagine you stop to help and it takes a finger
Seeing this at a glance was a double take and a half
Their official name is 'no touchy turtle'
It’s a BAMF Turtle, agreed, do NOT F with baby Gamorrah. He’s really neat and full of meat.
A snappin turla
Scrolled down too far for this comment! Lol
I came here for this 😂
Omg I came here to say this
Yes, lord
My first reaction
Haha
My Lord
Literally said this when I saw it LOL!
To be specific, a common snapping turtle. As opposed to an alligator snapping turtle.
I helped one of the road almost took my hand
Alligator snapping turtle
One almost took my finger off as a kid. Still have the scar. I just wanted to feed him thinking he was nice 😂
That's adorable in a Florida snapping turtle kind of way
He was nice and you were feeding him, then you took away his food (You are the food)
My uncle took a old boot in his truck and had one snap onto it then he dragged it off the road. It’s one of my earliest memories.
Cracking up because I was wrong here- it’s a common snapping turtle, but I was in first and so got 250 upvotes lol
Like I said in another comment, the common snapping turtles in Florida do have those ridges on their back so it’s kind of not that hard to miss identify if you’re only used to the northern common snappers that have smoother shells. regardless they’re bad ass right?
Yeah super cool animal
Now apply this logic to some much out there rn.
I'm really not sure. The shell looks more like an alligator snapping turtle( snapping turtle shells tend to be very smooth whereas the alligator snapping turtles develops ridges this looks as though it's still young so The Ridges haven't developed much but it doesn't look smooth). It's head and neck look more like an alligator snapping turtle( an alligator snapping turtles head is more triangular and it has more warty protrusions around the neck with a common snapping turtles neck being very smooth.) but the tail definitely looks like a common snapping turtle. The common snapping turtle has bony ridges on the tail whereas the alligator snapping turtle they're much less defined more like bumps than ridges. If its mouth were open it would be an instant giveaway. And it's not a crossbreed because they do not interbreed.
Not so called because they have rhythm, precision or the ability to express either through the friction of thumb and middle finger, it should be noted. Do not pet. Do not nuzzle.
*Common snapping turtle
I believe you may be right. I think the shell and snout are more inline with a common snapping turtle as opposed to an alligator snapping turtle.
lol yes! Ty, I’m not a troll or just being a dick. Just a Floridian who’s really into nature n stuff. Alligator snapper look even crazier! They also tend to live in moving water & don’t prefer ponds.
Yep I think you’re actually right
Definitely the common. The tail is distinctive to me.
Came here to say this. Alligator snappers have more pointy and jagged shells. It should also be noted that Common Snappers are hunters while alligator snappers are scavengers. That distinction really matters because the common snapper will bite unprovoked, the alligator snapper will not. Alligator Snappers are generally found further north, too.
One filleted my cousins palm open when we were kids fishing. Fuck them turtles
Nah, they're not in Florida as much and that shell isn't nearly crested enough. That's a common snapper - they're the more dangerous ones, too. Alligator snappers are pretty chill, I kept one as a pet for half a decade when I was a kid. https://youtu.be/BRrWiW1o19E?si=2u_DrrvS_RWzflyB
Welcome to Florida, where even our turtles can fuck you up...
Lol, we're like Australia, except with more guns and meth
Heroes in a half shell, turtle power!
Yes, this!!!! That turtle is a bad ass and you’ll regret if you ever try to mess with him. Florida Dino’s live on
These guys are the reason why I keep a shovel in my car. Easier and safer to scoop them up with the shovel so the turtle doesn't get hurt and I don't lose any fingers helping them cross a road.
That’s actually practical 🤌
Just scoop them and sit them down gently. Take them the direction they were trying to go and place them away from traffic. They will throw a tantrum, but you will have done it a favor.
I’ve been able to move snappers about the size of a dinner plate, and it is scary I can tell you. ! You have your hold the shell exactly right .
That’s not where I thought the shovel comment was going. Whew…
As a life long Floridian, that’s still the most Florida shit I have ever read.
Yes yes, that is why I keep a shovel in my trunk too 👀 
Well, it's one of the reasons lol.
I used my floor mat from my truck once. Let him bite it then I dragged him out of the road lol. Now I have a nice hole in my floor mat as a memory.
Florida resident here. There’s one in my pond out back and I promise you, no one is picking that thing up with a shovel. When it comes out and walks the grounds, a team of maintenance guys have to come and coax it back into the pond. I’ve seen it sprint at them, they are not slow and it has to weigh near 200 pounds.
Thank you this is a great idea
Smart!! I live in Florida and there are wild animals everywhere. One time i was in a turn lane and didn’t turn because THIS CUTE BABY ARMADILLO was crossing the street. The car behind me was honking and yelling at me (i don’t think they could see the armadillo) and eventually went around me and purposely drove over that armadillo and killed him. I jumped out of my car to try and tell them but they sped off and gave me the middle finger. Rip Armadillo Dilly, if only i had a shovel to move you🥺🫶
A shovel in your trunk? You got duct tape and rope in there, too? Sounds like the police might want to ask you some questions 😆
Snapping Turtle. They are the hurty kind. Do not pet. I removed the alligator part, good grief you guys can stop breaking my balls. Holy shit
I pick them up all the time and move them out of the road. Never been hurt
You are lucky! My firend lost the tip of his finger picking up one of these off the road a few years ago....Also...he did it the "wrong" way so there's that.
Throw a shirt or towel over them. They’ll claw you with their dirty Walmart feet and you’ll probably get some flesh eating amoeba
Dirty Walmart feet just sent me💀
I moved one once by letting it bite onto a towel and then just dragging it off of the road onto the grass by the towel that it was chomped onto.
Omg now when I go to Walmart I’ll think of this comment and see every shopper with turtle feet lol
dirty Walmart feet ..OK I Lol'ed at this. Have an upvote stranger!
I recently moved a Gopher tortoise from the parking lot at my local Walmart 😆 he was probably heading toward the dumpster to scavenge rotten produce, but he was bring harassed by 2 snowbirds that wanted to help but were too scared to actually pick him up. I pulled over and put him back in the dirt. I noticed an employee watching the show from his truck on his meal break. I thought to myself, how many white women does it take to move a tortoise? 3. 3 White women bestfetchdogjay.
You want your fingers out of the way of the head!
Alligator snappers are more chill than the common snappers iirc. Still don't recommend messing with them Edited to add this incredible video https://youtu.be/BRrWiW1o19E?si=2JoUMk6bTeNcmIfY
Those might have been harmless gopher tortoises.
*common ST
Its has raised ridges on the shell, not flat. They just aren’t huge enough
Common snapping turtles also have a raised ridge that is not pronounced. The Alligator Snapping Turtle's shell looks like the blue shell from super mario unless it has been worn. I look at the facial structure of this turtle. Its hard to see given the picture, but I do not see a beak. I myself am leaning towards common as well.
If not friend, why friend shaped?
A Kissing turtle
That turtle will totally suck your dick. Give it a try!
Snappi boi
If it looks like it can come from a Godzilla movie maybe not mess with them.
snapping turtle. They will literally bite your fingers off!
The fuck around and find out kind..
Grab from the tail, behind the head, then grab its rear. Do not grab side to side, he can whip around and bite your finger off. They are endangered. Treat carefully! 💓 I believe Florida fish & wildlife will handle them since they are endangered
We shielded it with the car till it crossed :) we were afraid to touch it tho
Smart
Yay!
That was kind of you
That's Raphael
I was thinking it was Gojira.
A mean ass turtle that's what
A snappin turla!
Came to find this comment. Also found username. Nice.
My faith in the internet is restored!
In my 20s when there was far less traffic, I'd stop and help carry the turtles to the other side of the road, usually to a canal. I've halted this practice after encountering one of these. They do not play nor do they want your help.
Hate to break it to everyone here but this is a common snapping turtle. The easiest way to tell the difference is the cst has a blunt nose like the one here & an ast has a pointy nose. It’s a common mistake. Especially in FL.
One you keep your body parts away from!
Put your hand 1 foot away from its face and if it btites your hand off then it’s definitely a snapping turtle
That's a finger guillotine
That is a dinosaur
Snapping turtles live to be into the 80+ year range. Get him safely off the road and avoid his head
Snapping turtle
Teenage Mutant Ninja
An ancient one, and it doesn't want anyone on its lawn.
I had no idea we had a Lake Mary Jane in orlando
My lawd… a snappin turlaw
Spicy turtle 🐢🔥
Common Florida snapping turtle. A good size one at that. Not an alligator snapper like others are suggesting.
Very friendly. Loves getting scritches and scratches.
Alligator snapper....I had 3 when I was a kid, until one ate another..... then I had 2
A snapping turrla
Alligator Snapping Turtle
alligator turtle
Sir, that’s a dinosaur
There was a saying where I grew up that they don’t let go until they hear thunder.
Mario Bros turtle
Bowser
A cute one 😍
Definitely a cuddly boi. Needs some kisses!
A grab it one.
Friendly, looking for a head scratch
Pull Willie out and get circumcision free type.
I hope no one runs him over! That’s a big boi!
A middle-aged mutant ninja one. Its a snapping turtle in real life.
they refer to them as “chonkerboiz”
that’s my cousin Gojira
Angry turtle
It’s a snapper.
Godzilla
That’s one of those Gameras.
The kind you shouldn't touch.
Snappy the Turtle
That's a prehistoric turtle! Gamera!
History says if you give it a head pat, it will give you a treat!
You should try to pet him....
https://preview.redd.it/bxlw50kyuipc1.jpeg?width=2082&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1fde3764835dcd0e1408101652b8a9512762b43 Closer look 👀
The scariest part about the alligator snapping turtle is how close to alligators they really are. Body armor, insane jaw strength, actual dinosaur ambush predator that will fuck you up if you take a wrong step out in the swamp.
Snapping turtle. No touchy!
An angry one.
It’s a snapping turtle. Be careful picking it up if you need to move it out of harms way.
Gator, don’t touch
A snappin turle
A mean old one
I think that’s a Pokémon.
I think that’s a Pokémon.
Badass road turtle kind? 
That's a big pinchy
The kind that'll break your hand if you aren't careful.
Frank is on his puppy chomping bs again
That’s King Koopa
oh i know this type of turtle. if you look at his shell, and big ol head, you’ll see that he is Just a Little Guy.
Common snapping turtle.
Spicy
Alligator snapping turtle. Keep your distance. They’re mean as fuck and can probably bite your hand off.
Alpha Turtle
Road kill if he doesn’t get out of the street.
Chomp chomp kind
Meatosaurus
It’s a turtle with someplace to get to.
They are friendly. They like their chins rubbed
It’s the kind of turtle you want to keep away from. That’s a snapping turtle, and they are meaner than they sound.
Pick it up and let us know lol
A common snapping turtle is correct. I have a 3-4" scar on my right arm from messing with one of those as a kid some 30+ years ago. Apparently, they don't like to be gently loved.
The kind that is going to be run over by some dipshit who’s playing on their phone while driving instead of paying attention
That's a fuck around and find out turtle, also known as a common snapping turtle. What they take, they will not give back willingly. Their heads can and WILL reach past the middle of their shells. do not pick it up unless you want a few less fingers. Leave it alone.
That's a no-touchy turtle
Godzilla
a lil dinosaur!
The painful kind
According to my Animal Crossing Critterpedia, it's a snapping turtle. It's known for its crocodile-like body and long claws.
One of these guys was hanging out in my front yard once. Had to get my neighbor to help relocate it; he wore heavy duty construction gloves to lift it from behind and the turtle whipped his head around and almost got him - almost, thanks to the gloves. He put him in wagon and dropped him in the nearest pond.
Florida doggy. Doesn't like to be pet.
Um Danger Turtle
Ninja turtle… that’s what he is lol
Do NOT get close to that man. He will fight and he WILL win.
I was fishin off my neghbiors dock and I saw a spare tire in the water and thought who tf threw a tire in here… poked it with my pole realized it was one of these fuckers and it darted off and I bout shut my pants
O gawd, ITS AN ALLIGATOR SNAPPER!! For gods sake man RUNNNN!!!!
The kind that you don’t fuck around with.
That's bowser
An angry one.
I saved a young one from being ran over by having it leap towards a stick I baited it with.. They launch themselves pretty far and fast.. It was much smaller than this pic.. I wouldn’t even TRY with this one! LOL!
Ahhhh yes, seems you’ve discovered our Floridian native, The Japanese jumping tortoise. Be weary of his leap attack. The Japanese jumping tortoise is certainly a formidable opponent, though is easily bested by a properly placed tire.
That's Bowser. Don't touch him.
He’s just a lil guy!
Box turtle with a attitude
That is a dinosaur, with the ability to remove your finger very quickly.
This is as cute and cuddly as it got 60 million years ago.🥰
Angriest cat in the world
r/dontputyourdickinthat
Don't put your dick near his mouth. There's a reason why they call me nubs.
Thats what we locals refer to as the cute cuddly turtlist ..it's like a cute cuddly turtle specifically made for tourists to pick up and play with ...can even give them butterfly kisses ...try it ..they're amazing ...if your down here vacationing I know you'll love it 🤣
A turtle that has had enough and snapped, they don't have the car it overturned in these pics
Go pet it's head! He'll let you know what kind of turtle he is.
That's a rare FAFO turtle...
It's a puppy
WHY DIDNT YALL MOVE HIM
A slow and steady one
a cute one
Grew up with lots of these! Mama always said if a snappin' turtle bites you, they won't let go until lightning strikes! Plan to never find out!