There are very few situations where you should try to pick up a snapping turtle. But, if you ever do, move behind the turtle to the back third of its body. You can safely put your hands near the back of its shell and pick it up, keeping its head away from you at all times. Don’t try to pick up a snapping turtle by its tail. This can cause it great injury. A snapping turtle will dart its head out, stretching its neck when you touch it. However, this creature is not able to reach behind its body to bite your hands. Just please keep in mind it’s best to observe snapping turtles from a distance.