Turtles are an important part of all freshwater ecosystems. Like vultures, they clean up dead fish and animals that fall into the water, but when a pond becomes out of balance, the first sign is often an explosion of the turtle population.
When the population is too high, the turtles, especially the snaping turtles. will turn to catching and killing live fish, often the same bass and catfish that anglers love to fish for. Large snappers can become a danger to baby ducks, geese, and swans.
An overabundance of turtles can often lead to starvation and disease. Reducing the population to a more appropriate number will balance the pond and allow the remaining turtles to thrive.
Predator Impact uses specially designed traps and nets to catch a portion of the turtles and relocate them to our wildlife preserve where they will have plenty of room. There are two lakes, two small rivers and over a dozen ponds on the property. Plenty of room to move about, and plenty of food for all. We never remove all the turtles, just enough to allow the pond to balance out again.
Picture courtesy of Van Gillock- OKC
Fun Turtle Facts:
Do you have a pond or water feature with an excess of turtles? Contact Predator Impact to discuss options. There is never a charge for inspections or consultations.
Predator Impact
Mark Runnels
TJ Eckert
(918) 397-4091
Fun Turtle Facts:
- Turtles can live a very long time. In the wild, they can easily live 30-40 years. In captivity, due to good care and quality food, they can live more than 70 years.
- Male turtles grow larger than females. Common snappers can get up to 35 lbs. while Alligator snappers can exceed 175 lbs.!
- Despite claims to the contrary, water turtles do not have a strong homing sense. Whether relocated by Predator Impact, or washed out by a flood, aquatic turtles are perfectly content wherever they wind up. If there is not enough food or room, they will strike out overland to find a new pond.
- Water turtles are omnivores. They prefer meat or carrion, but will eat water plants, fallen fruit, etc. This broad diet helps them adapt to new places and to seasonal changes.
- The fossil record show that turtles have been around for millions of years. Modern snappers look surprisingly similar to their ancient ancestors. When you have a good design, don't change it!
Do you have a pond or water feature with an excess of turtles? Contact Predator Impact to discuss options. There is never a charge for inspections or consultations.
Predator Impact
Mark Runnels
TJ Eckert
(918) 397-4091