Common Snapping Turtle Ingested Fishing Hook: Patient 22-1655

Oct 5

Admitted in fall 2022, this Common Snapping Turtle patient desperately needed our help! He was found with a large braided fishing line hanging from his mouth, and what we could only assume was a fishing hook stuck deep in his digestive tract. X-rays from our veterinary partners at Ani-Care Animal Hospital confirmed our fears. It was one of the largest hooks we had ever seen!

A Lifesaving Procedure

The snapping turtle was kept comfortable on a high dose of pain medication until it was time for surgery. An incision was made in his pre-femoral fossa to remove the hook from his small intestine. Given how emaciated the turtle was, and the sores all around his face and body, he had been suffering with this painful hook inside his body for some time.

It was a miracle that the turtle was found, a miracle that the hook could be accessed and removed, and a miracle that no permanent damage was done to his digestive tract. The turtle remained in care at the wildlife center all winter to help him recover, gain weight and build back muscle. He was happily returned to him home in May 2023.

What Can You Do To Prevent Turtle Injuries?

Remember, you can help prevent horrible injuries like this by helping discard litter when you see it out in nature. If you hunt or fish, ensure that you are making responsible choices that do not impact wild animals. Clean up after yourself, and if you happen to hook a turtle instead of a fish, call us immediately!