A snapping turtle on land is still unlikely to attack a human unprovoked, but it's best to keep your distance. They will attack if they feel threatened, so do not touch the turtle or corner it.

Has a snapping turtle ever killed a person?

This species can bite through the handle of a broom and rare cases have been reported in which human fingers have been cleanly bitten off by the species. No human deaths have been reported to have been caused by the alligator snapping turtle.

Can a snapping turtle bite your finger off?

Common snapping turtles, which sometimes reach more than 30 pounds, can bite a person and even leave a memorable scar, but they are small compared to alligator snappers. ... An alligator snapper can bite a finger off, and I know of three documented cases. One of these is someone I know who now has only nine fingers.