Do Mississippi Map Turtles Bite? – Everything There Is To Know!

Hi there! Are you thinking about getting a Mississippi map turtle as a pet? That’s awesome! But I bet you’re wondering: will this turtle bite me? Don’t worry – I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about Mississippi map turtle bites today.

Let me answer your main question right away: Yes, Mississippi map turtles can bite. But here’s the good news – they don’t bite just for fun! They mostly bite when they feel scared or think you’re going to hurt them. And even better news? Their bites aren’t poisonous at all. Most of the time, the bites aren’t very serious either.

In this article, I’m going to share everything I know about why these turtles bite, what it feels like, and most importantly – how you can avoid getting bitten. Let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

Do Mississippi Map Turtles Really Bite?

Yes, they do bite sometimes. I know Mississippi map turtles are known for being friendly pets, but they can still nip at you or even bite other turtles. Adult turtles especially will bite when they feel like something is wrong or scary.

Here’s something interesting I want you to know: these turtles don’t actually have teeth! Instead, they have hard beaks (kind of like birds do). They use these beaks for biting. Their jaws are really strong too, so when they do bite, it can hurt quite a bit.

Wild Turtles vs. Pet Turtles

Now, let me tell you something important. Wild Mississippi map turtles bite much more often than pet turtles do. Why? Because wild turtles aren’t used to people. They see us as big, scary creatures!

But if you have a pet Mississippi map turtle that you’ve raised yourself, it will probably hardly ever bite you. Pet turtles learn to trust humans. They know we’re the ones who feed them and take care of them.

Still, even friendly pet turtles can bite sometimes. Both male and female turtles might nip you if:

You try to force them out of their shell
They feel unsafe or scared
They think your toes are worms or berries (this happens more than you’d think!)
They mistake your leg for a plant or shrub
They’re feeling stressed or anxious
They’re really hungry and think you’re food

What Does a Mississippi Map Turtle Bite Feel Like?

I want to be honest with you – a Mississippi map turtle bite can hurt. But remember, their bites aren’t poisonous, so you don’t need to worry about that.

How much it hurts depends on where the turtle bites you and how hard they bite. Let me break it down for you:

If a turtle bites your finger: It might feel like a soft pinch. Sometimes you’ll barely feel it at all. Other times, it might hurt about 2-3 times more than a regular pinch. The bite might leave a small mark on your skin, but it usually goes away fast.

If a turtle bites your toe or arm: Ouch! This can hurt a lot more. The bite will feel more like a cut. You might even start bleeding a little bit. The turtle’s strong jaw can really squeeze down on these areas.

Here’s something super important I need to tell you: If the turtle bites you, don’t pull away fast! I know your first instinct is to yank your hand back, but that can make the turtle bite down even harder. Just stay calm and wait for the turtle to let go on its own.

After the turtle releases you, you’ll need to clean the bite area. I’ll tell you how to do that in a bit.

Why Do Mississippi Map Turtles Bite People?

Let me explain all the reasons why your turtle might bite you. When you understand why turtles bite, you can do a better job of avoiding it!

1. They’re Trying to Defend Themselves

This is the biggest reason turtles bite. Mississippi map turtles are actually pretty shy creatures. When they think you’re going to hurt them, they bite to protect themselves. It’s their way of saying “Leave me alone!”

This happens a lot when:

You pick up the turtle too fast
You grab the turtle roughly
The turtle doesn’t know you yet
You approach the turtle from above (this scares them because predators attack from above in the wild)

2. You’re Bothering Them

Here’s something I’ve learned: Mississippi map turtles really love their alone time. They like to just sit on their basking rock, swim around peacefully, or hide in their shell when they want to.

If you keep picking them up, poking them, or trying to play with them when they want to be alone, they might bite to tell you to stop. Think of it like this – wouldn’t you get grumpy if someone kept bothering you when you wanted to rest?

3. You’re Forcing Them Out of Their Shell

When a Mississippi map turtle pulls its head and legs into its shell, that means it wants to hide. The shell is their safe place – like their own little house.

Never, ever try to force your fingers into the shell to pull the turtle out. This will make the turtle feel like it’s being attacked. And guess what happens then? Yep, it will bite your finger to make you stop.

Just wait patiently for the turtle to come out on its own. It might take a few minutes, but it’s worth the wait.

4. The Turtle is Feeling Stressed

Turtles can feel stress just like we do. When they’re stressed, anxious, or panicked, they might bite.

This happens a lot when:

You’re moving the turtle to a new tank
There are loud noises around them
The water temperature is wrong
Their tank is too small or crowded
They’re sick or not feeling well

5. They Think You’re Food

This one might sound funny, but it’s true! Hungry Mississippi map turtles sometimes mistake parts of your body for food.

Your wiggling toes in the water? They might look like worms to a turtle. Your fingers? Could be mistaken for small fish or berries. Your leg? Might look like a water plant they want to eat.

This is why I always tell people: don’t put your hands or feet in your turtle’s tank when you’re feeding them. The turtle’s brain is in “eating mode” and they might accidentally bite you thinking you’re a snack.

6. They’re Protecting Their Territory

Some Mississippi map turtles can be territorial. This means they think their tank is their special space, and they don’t want anyone else in it.

If you reach into the tank to clean it or rearrange decorations, a territorial turtle might bite your hand to tell you “This is MY space!”

7. It’s Mating Season

During breeding season, male turtles can become more aggressive. They might bite other turtles or even bite you if you get too close. This is just their natural behavior – they’re trying to impress female turtles and defend their territory.

Can a Mississippi Map Turtle Bite Your Finger Off?

No, you don’t need to worry about this. A Mississippi map turtle cannot bite your finger or toe completely off. They’re just not strong enough to do that.

The worst that will happen is:

Some bruising on your skin
A small cut or scratch
Maybe a little bleeding if they bite really hard
Some pain that goes away after a while

However, I do want to mention something important: there are other types of turtles that CAN bite fingers off. Alligator snapping turtles have incredibly powerful jaws and can definitely bite off fingers or toes. But Mississippi map turtles? Not strong enough for that.

Your Mississippi map turtle might think your finger is food and give it a good bite, but your finger will stay attached. You might just have a bruise or small wound to care for.

What Happens After a Mississippi Map Turtle Bites You?

Let me walk you through what you can expect after getting bitten.

If It’s a Small Bite

Most bites from pet Mississippi map turtles are pretty minor. You might see:

A small red mark where the turtle bit you
Slight bruising around the bite area
A little bit of pain (like a pinch)
Maybe some tiny scratch marks from the beak

These small bites usually heal completely within a few days. You might not even notice the mark after 2-3 days.

If It’s a Harder Bite

Sometimes, if the turtle is really scared or feels very threatened, they can bite harder. In this case, you might experience:

Breaking of the skin
Bleeding from the bite wound
More serious bruising
Pain that lasts for several hours
A mark that stays for a week or more

Even these harder bites will heal up fine. You just need to take proper care of the wound.

Risk of Infection

Here’s something really important I need you to know: turtle bites can cause infections if you don’t clean them properly.

Turtles can carry bacteria in their mouths (just like all animals, including humans). If these bacteria get into your wound, you could develop an infection. Signs of infection include:

The bite area becoming very red
Swelling around the wound
The area feeling hot to touch
Pus coming out of the bite
Pain that gets worse instead of better
Fever or feeling sick

If you notice any of these signs, you need to see a doctor right away. But don’t worry – infections are rare if you clean the bite properly right after it happens.

What Should You Do If a Mississippi Map Turtle Bites You?

Okay, so let’s say your turtle just bit you. Don’t panic! Here’s exactly what I want you to do, step by step:

Step 1: Stay Calm and Wait

First, take a deep breath and stay calm. I know it hurts, but panicking will only make things worse.

Do not pull your hand or finger away quickly! This is super important. When you yank your hand back, the turtle’s beak can tear your skin more. It can also make the turtle bite down even harder.

Instead, just hold still and wait. The turtle will let go on its own, usually within a few seconds. Some turtles might hold on for up to a minute, but they will release eventually.

While you’re waiting, you can try gently putting the turtle back in the water. Sometimes this makes them let go faster.

Step 2: Wash the Bite Area

As soon as the turtle lets go, go straight to a sink and wash the bite area with soap and water. Use warm water and regular hand soap or antibacterial soap if you have it.

Wash for at least 30 seconds – maybe even a full minute. Make sure you clean around the bite too, not just the bite itself.

Step 3: Apply Disinfectant

After washing, pat the area dry with a clean towel. Then apply a disinfectant like:

Rubbing alcohol (this might sting a bit)
Hydrogen peroxide
Antiseptic wipes
Antibiotic ointment like Neosporin

This step is really important because it kills any bacteria that might cause an infection.

Step 4: Cover the Wound

If the bite broke your skin or is bleeding, put a clean bandage over it. Change the bandage every day and check to make sure the wound is healing properly.

Keep the bandage on until the wound has closed up and formed a scab.

Step 5: Watch for Signs of Infection

For the next few days, check the bite area regularly. Look for any signs of infection that I mentioned earlier.

If the bite doesn’t seem to be healing or if you notice any worrying signs, it’s time to see a doctor.

When to See a Doctor

You should definitely visit a doctor if:

The bite is really deep and won’t stop bleeding
The wound looks very serious
You start seeing signs of infection
The pain is severe and doesn’t get better
You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5-10 years
You have a weak immune system or diabetes

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics if needed and make sure the wound heals properly.

How Can You Avoid Getting Bitten by Your Mississippi Map Turtle?

Now, let me share all my best tips for avoiding turtle bites. These tips come from my own experience and from talking to other turtle owners.

Tip 1: Never Force Your Turtle Out of Its Shell

This is rule number one! When your turtle wants to hide in its shell, let it hide. Don’t poke at it, shake it, or try to pull any part of it out.

Your turtle will come out when it feels safe. Sometimes this takes 5 minutes, sometimes 30 minutes. Just be patient.

Tip 2: Don’t Hand-Feed Your Turtle

I know it seems fun to hand-feed your turtle, but this is asking for trouble. Your turtle’s eyesight isn’t perfect, and they might mistake your fingers for food.

Instead, use these feeding methods:

Drop the food into the water and let the turtle find it
Use feeding tongs to hold the food (you can buy these at pet stores)
Place the food in a feeding dish
Put vegetables on the basking area where the turtle can eat at its own pace

Tip 3: Handle Your Turtle Gently

Whenever you need to pick up your turtle, do it slowly and gently. No sudden movements!

Quick, jerky movements scare turtles. When they’re scared, they’re more likely to bite.

Talk to your turtle in a soft, calm voice as you handle it. This might sound silly, but it really does help the turtle stay calm.

Tip 4: Feed Your Turtle on Schedule

Hungry turtles are more likely to bite. If your turtle is starving, it will see everything as potential food – including your fingers!

Feed your Mississippi map turtle at the same times every day. Most adult turtles do well being fed once a day. Baby turtles need to eat 2-3 times per day.

When your turtle knows food is coming regularly, it won’t be so desperate and bitey.

Tip 5: Learn to Read Your Turtle’s Body Language

Turtles tell us how they’re feeling through their body language. If you learn to read these signs, you’ll know when to leave your turtle alone.

Signs your turtle is stressed or might bite:

Hissing sounds
Swimming away from you quickly
Pulling into its shell
Opening its mouth wide (this is a threat display)
Rapid head movements
Trying to climb away from you

If you see any of these signs, put your turtle back in its tank and leave it alone for a while.

Tip 6: Give Your Turtle Space When It’s Stressed

Some days your turtle just won’t be in the mood for interaction. Maybe the weather changed, maybe it’s not feeling well, or maybe it just wants alone time.

If your turtle seems grumpy or stressed, respect that. You can interact with it another day.

Tip 7: Approach Your Turtle from the Side

Never approach your turtle from above. In the wild, predators like birds and raccoons attack turtles from above. So when you reach down from above, your turtle thinks it’s about to be eaten!

Instead, approach from the side where your turtle can see you coming. This is much less scary for them.

Tip 8: Let New Turtles Adjust

If you just got your Mississippi map turtle, give it time to settle in before handling it a lot. New turtles are stressed from being moved to a new home.

For the first week, just let your turtle explore its new tank. Feed it and watch it, but don’t try to pick it up much. After a week or two, your turtle will be more comfortable and less likely to bite.

Tip 9: Keep the Tank Environment Right

A stressed turtle is a bitey turtle. Make sure your turtle’s tank has everything it needs:

Water temperature between 74-78°F
Basking area temperature around 90-95°F
A good filter to keep water clean
Enough space to swim (at least 40 gallons for one adult turtle)
Places to hide
A basking platform
Proper lighting (UVB and heat lamps)

When your turtle is comfortable and happy in its environment, it will be much friendlier.

Tip 10: Wash Your Hands Before Handling

If your hands smell like food, your turtle might bite them thinking they’re snacks! Always wash your hands with unscented soap before touching your turtle.

This is especially important if you’ve been:

Cooking or eating
Handling other pets
Using scented lotions or soaps

How to Pick Up Your Mississippi Map Turtle Safely

Let me teach you the right way to pick up your turtle. There’s a technique that keeps both you and your turtle safe.

The Best Method

Here’s what I do:

Approach slowly from the side so your turtle can see you coming
Slide one hand under the turtle’s belly from the side
Place your other hand on top of the shell with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other
Lift slowly and gently – no quick movements!
Hold the turtle securely but not too tight

Your turtle should feel supported and secure, not squeezed or scared.

Alternative Method

Some people prefer to hold the turtle by both sides of the shell, just in front of the back legs. This works too! The turtle is less likely to reach around and bite your fingers with this method.

What NOT to Do

Never, ever pick up your turtle by:

The tail – This can seriously hurt your turtle’s spine and even cause permanent damage
One leg – This is painful and scary for the turtle
The head or neck – Obviously dangerous for both of you!

Tips for Safe Holding

Keep the turtle close to the ground in case it wiggles free
Hold the turtle over a soft surface like carpet or grass
Don’t hold your turtle for more than 10-15 minutes at a time
If the turtle starts struggling a lot, put it back
Never hold the turtle near your face (in case it does decide to bite!)

Understanding Your Mississippi Map Turtle’s Behavior

The more you understand about your turtle’s natural behavior, the better you can avoid situations that lead to biting.

They’re Naturally Shy

Mississippi map turtles aren’t super social like dogs or cats. In the wild, they spend most of their time alone, only meeting other turtles during mating season.

This means your turtle probably won’t be excited to see you like a puppy would. And that’s okay! It doesn’t mean your turtle doesn’t recognize you or care about you. It just means turtles show affection differently.

They Need Routine

Turtles feel most comfortable with a predictable routine. Feed them at the same time each day, turn their lights on and off at the same times, and try to do tank maintenance on a regular schedule.

When things are predictable, your turtle feels safe. And safe turtles don’t bite as much.

They’re More Active at Certain Times

Mississippi map turtles are usually most active in the morning and late afternoon. This is when they’re most alert and might be more responsive to you.

The middle of the day (when they’re basking) and nighttime (when they’re resting) are not good times to try to interact with your turtle.

Baby Turtles vs. Adult Turtles

Baby Mississippi map turtles tend to be more nervous and bite more often than adults. They’re tiny and everything seems scary to them!

As your turtle grows and gets used to you, it will become calmer and bite less. You just need to be patient and consistent in how you care for it.

Are Mississippi Map Turtle Bites Dangerous?

Let me give you the complete truth about whether these bites are dangerous.

The Bite Itself

The bite itself is not dangerous in most cases. Remember:

Mississippi map turtles aren’t venomous
They can’t bite hard enough to remove fingers or toes
Most bites are minor and heal quickly
The pain is temporary

The Risk of Infection

The main concern with any animal bite is infection. Turtles can carry bacteria like Salmonella in their mouths and on their skin.

But here’s the thing: if you clean the bite properly right away, the risk of infection is very low. Just follow the steps I gave you earlier for cleaning bites.

For People with Weak Immune Systems

If you have a weak immune system (from illness, medications, or being very young or old), you need to be extra careful about infections from turtle bites.

For these people, it’s important to:

See a doctor after any bite that breaks the skin
Be extra thorough about cleaning and disinfecting
Watch very closely for any signs of infection
Consider wearing protective gloves when handling turtles

Compared to Other Pets

Mississippi map turtle bites are actually less dangerous than many other pet bites:

Cat bites have a very high infection rate
Dog bites can cause serious injury
Even hamster bites can become infected easily

So while you should always take turtle bites seriously, they’re not more dangerous than bites from other common pets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Map Turtle Bites

Let me answer some questions that people ask me all the time.

Do Mississippi Map Turtles Bite Hard?

It depends on the situation. If your turtle feels very threatened or scared, yes, it can bite quite hard. The jaw muscles in these turtles are pretty strong.

But in most cases, pet turtles give warning nips that aren’t too hard. Think of it like a dog growling before it really bites – the turtle is saying “back off” without using full force.

Wild Mississippi map turtles usually bite harder than pet turtles because they’re not used to people.

Can a Mississippi Map Turtle Bite Break Skin?

Yes, a Mississippi map turtle can definitely break your skin if it bites hard enough. Their beaks are sharp and their jaws are strong.

Whether the skin breaks depends on:

How scared or threatened the turtle feels
Where on your body it bites (thinner skin breaks more easily)
How long the turtle holds on
The size of the turtle (bigger turtles bite harder)

Do Mississippi Map Turtle Bites Hurt a Lot?

This really depends on where you get bitten. A bite on your finger might just feel like a pinch. But a bite on your toe or the thin skin of your inner arm can hurt quite a bit.

I’d say the pain is:

About the same as a hard pinch if they bite your finger lightly
About 2-3 times more painful than a pinch for a hard bite
Similar to a paper cut in terms of the sharp pain
Pretty painful if they really clamp down on soft tissue

The good news is the pain doesn’t last very long. Most of the time, it stops hurting within a few minutes after the turtle lets go.

Will My Mississippi Map Turtle Bite Other Turtles?

Yes, Mississippi map turtles can and do bite other turtles sometimes. This happens when:

They’re fighting over food
One turtle is invading another’s space
It’s mating season and males are being aggressive
The tank is too small and they’re crowded
There aren’t enough basking spots for all the turtles

If you want to keep multiple turtles together, make sure you have a very large tank with plenty of space for each turtle.

Do Female or Male Mississippi Map Turtles Bite More?

Both males and females can bite, but males tend to be a bit more aggressive, especially during breeding season (spring and early summer).

Female Mississippi map turtles can also be territorial, particularly if they’re getting ready to lay eggs. But overall, the gender doesn’t make a huge difference in how likely they are to bite.

At What Age Do Mississippi Map Turtles Start Biting?

Even baby Mississippi map turtles can bite! In fact, baby turtles often bite more than adults because they’re more nervous.

As your turtle matures and gets used to you, it will usually bite less often. Most Mississippi map turtles become calmer and friendlier by the time they’re 2-3 years old.

Can You Train a Mississippi Map Turtle Not to Bite?

Not really. You can’t train a turtle the same way you’d train a dog. Turtles have much simpler brains and don’t respond to commands or rewards.

What you CAN do is:

Build trust with your turtle over time
Learn what situations cause your turtle to bite
Avoid those situations
Handle your turtle consistently and gently so it gets used to you

A turtle that’s been handled regularly from a young age will usually be calmer and bite less than a turtle that’s rarely handled.

Other Types of Map Turtles – Do They Bite Too?

If you’re interested in Mississippi map turtles, you might be wondering about other types of map turtles. Do they all bite?

Northern Map Turtles

Northern map turtles are very similar to Mississippi map turtles. They have the same biting behavior – they can bite but usually don’t unless they feel threatened.

False Map Turtles

False map turtles (also called sawback turtles) also bite when scared. They’re actually known for being a bit more nervous than Mississippi maps, so they might bite a little more often.

Black-Knobbed Map Turtles

Black-knobbed map turtles have similar temperaments to Mississippi map turtles. They can bite, but they’re generally pretty calm if handled correctly.

All Map Turtles

In general, all map turtle species can bite. But none of them are aggressive biters. They’re all defensive biters – meaning they bite to protect themselves, not to attack.

Comparing Mississippi Map Turtles to Other Turtle Species

How do Mississippi map turtle bites compare to bites from other popular pet turtles?

Mississippi Map Turtles vs. Box Turtles

Box turtles can also bite, but they tend to be even calmer than map turtles. Box turtle bites are usually less common and less painful.

Mississippi Map Turtles vs. Red-Eared Sliders

Red-eared sliders (the most popular pet turtle) bite about as often as Mississippi map turtles. The bites are similar in strength and pain level.

Mississippi Map Turtles vs. Softshell Turtles

Softshell turtles are MUCH more likely to bite than Mississippi map turtles. They’re more aggressive and their bites can hurt more. If you want a calmer turtle, Mississippi maps are a better choice than softshells.

Mississippi Map Turtles vs. Snapping Turtles

This is no contest – snapping turtles (especially alligator snapping turtles) have much more powerful bites. A snapping turtle can cause serious injury, while a Mississippi map turtle bite is usually minor.

Mississippi map turtles are actually one of the calmer, friendlier turtle species, which is why they make good pets.

Taking Care of Your Mississippi Map Turtle to Prevent Biting

A healthy, happy turtle is a turtle that doesn’t bite much. Let me share how to create the perfect environment for your Mississippi map turtle.

Tank Setup

Your turtle needs:

Tank size: At least 40 gallons for one adult turtle, 75+ gallons for multiple turtles
Water depth: Deep enough for swimming (at least 8-12 inches for adults)
Basking area: A dry platform where your turtle can climb out completely
Filter: A strong filter that can handle the tank size (canister filters work great)
Heater: To keep water at 74-78°F
Lighting: UVB light and heat lamp for basking

Diet

Feed your Mississippi map turtle a varied diet:

Commercial turtle pellets (main food)
Live food like crickets, worms, and small fish
Vegetables like lettuce, kale, and carrots
Occasional fruits as treats
Calcium supplements 2-3 times per week

A well-fed turtle is less likely to bite you thinking you’re food!

Health Care

Take your turtle to a reptile veterinarian once a year for a checkup. A sick or uncomfortable turtle might bite more often than a healthy one.

Watch for signs of illness like:

Not eating
Staying underwater all the time or staying on land all the time
Swollen eyes
Shell problems
Weird swimming

Enrichment

Give your turtle things to do! A bored turtle can become more aggressive. Add:

Plants (real or fake) to explore
Rocks and decorations to swim around
Different levels in the tank
Occasional treats hidden in different spots (making them hunt for food)

The Truth About Turtle Bites and Salmonella

I need to talk to you about something important: Salmonella. You’ve probably heard that turtles carry Salmonella bacteria. This is true, but let me explain what it really means.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can make people sick with symptoms like:

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Vomiting
Headache

Most healthy adults get over Salmonella in a few days without needing treatment. But it can be serious for babies, young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.

Do All Turtles Carry Salmonella?

Not every single turtle has Salmonella, but many do. It lives in their digestive system and comes out in their poop. It also lives on their skin and shell.

Can You Get Salmonella from a Turtle Bite?

Yes, it’s possible to get Salmonella from a turtle bite, but it’s not super common. The bigger risk is getting Salmonella from:

Touching your turtle and then touching your face or mouth
Not washing your hands after handling your turtle
Getting turtle tank water in your mouth
Cleaning tank items in kitchen sinks where you prepare food

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s what I do to stay safe:

Always wash my hands after touching my turtle or anything in its tank
Clean bites immediately with soap and water
Use a disinfectant on any bite wounds
Never kiss my turtle or hold it near my face
Don’t let the turtle walk on surfaces where I prepare food
Keep the tank in a separate room from the kitchen
Wear gloves when cleaning the tank if I have cuts on my hands

If you follow these simple rules, the risk of getting sick from your turtle is very, very low.

Mississippi Map Turtles as Pets – Are They Right for You?

After reading all about biting, you might be wondering if a Mississippi map turtle is still a good pet choice. Let me help you decide.

Reasons Mississippi Map Turtles Make Great Pets

They’re beautiful with interesting patterns on their shells
They’re active and fun to watch
They can live 15-30 years with proper care (long-term companion!)
They don’t need to be walked or let outside
They’re relatively quiet
They’re hardy and can adapt to different conditions
They don’t bite often if handled correctly
They’re not as aggressive as some other turtle species

Challenges of Keeping Mississippi Map Turtles

They need large, expensive tank setups
Tank maintenance takes time and effort
They can carry Salmonella
They do bite sometimes
Veterinary care can be expensive
They need specific temperatures and lighting
They’re not cuddly like furry pets
You can’t really train them or play with them

Who Should Get a Mississippi Map Turtle?

These turtles are great for:

People who enjoy watching aquatic animals
Those who have space for a large tank
People who can commit to 20+ years of care
Older children and adults who understand gentle handling
Anyone who wants a low-maintenance pet (compared to dogs)

Who Should NOT Get a Mississippi Map Turtle?

Think twice if:

You have very young children who might not handle them gently
You want a pet you can cuddle and play with actively
You can’t afford the initial setup cost (usually $300-500+)
You don’t have space for a 40+ gallon tank
You travel frequently and don’t have someone to care for it
Someone in your home has a very weak immune system

Conclusion: Yes, They Bite, But They’re Still Great Pets!

So here’s what I want you to remember: Yes, Mississippi map turtles can and do bite. But they’re not aggressive animals. They bite when they’re scared, stressed, or think you’re food. They’re actually one of the friendlier turtle species!

If you:

Handle your turtle gently
Don’t force it to do things it doesn’t want to do
Feed it regularly
Give it a proper tank environment
Learn to read its body language

Then you probably won’t get bitten very often. And even if you do get bitten, it’s usually not a big deal. Just clean the wound, give your turtle some space, and figure out what scared it so you can avoid that situation next time.

I’ve been keeping Mississippi map turtles for years, and I think they’re wonderful pets. The occasional nip is a small price to pay for the joy of watching these beautiful creatures swim, bask, and thrive in your care.

If you decide to get a Mississippi map turtle, I hope this guide has prepared you well. You now know everything about why they bite, how to avoid bites, and what to do if you do get bitten.

Remember: a scared turtle is a bitey turtle. But a happy, healthy, well-cared-for turtle? That turtle will bring you years of enjoyment with very few nips!

Have fun with your Mississippi map turtle adventure, and don’t forget to wash your hands after handling your new friend!