Four-inch Regulation and Turtles
Turtles fall under the “Four-inch regulation” or the “Four-inch law” in the United States. This means that pet turtles cannot have a carapace with a length of fewer than four inches. The FDA announced the regulation back in 1975. The reason cited for its introduction is the effect of salmonellosis, which is turtle associated. Children were reported to be putting small turtles in their mouths. The regulation ensures that the size of pet turtles is just large enough to discourage and prevent this practice.
Close Up Of A Turtle
Snapping Turtle Behavior
This species gets its name from its behavior of shooting out its head and snapping its jaws. They have highly flexible necks, which allow their heads to go as far as to their hind legs. This is the reason that it is not safe to pick up these turtles from certain angles. It is believed that the snapping behavior is a defense mechanism that developed from the evolution process. These turtles are too big to hide in their shells and, so they have this alternative.
Snapping Turtle
