I have a snapping turtle. If I would have left him where I found him, he would have been dead in a few mins. If he happend to survive the waterfall, the rocks & the 4 foot carp, then his illness would have killed him anyways.

Darn thing couldn't swim
He also needs more calcium then most turtles just to keep his bones strong.

I had to care for him over the winter & well then it was too late to put him back, & if I did, he would have died anyways.

I'd rather keep him as a pet, then knowing let him die in the wild.

My dollar sized snapper is now 5yrs old & 20 pounds. He seems very happy, as hes non agressive towards me & I can take him for walks in the front yard & give him nose kisses.