Snapping turtle

Becky, it is potentially harmful to hold a turtle by the tail as it can cause permanent spinal damage - not to mention being extremely stressful for the animal. The correct way to pick up a snapping turtle is to grasp both sides of the carapace (shell) about half way between the midpoint & the tail, though unless you have been trained to do so correctly we would recommend that you do not attempt to handle this species for your own safety & that of the turtle.

Hi, Becky. I'm not sure if this turtle is being suspended by its tail, but if so, that can be quite damaging to the animal. The weight of the turtle can easily separate vertebrae and it's not a recommended method of suspension or transport.