Turtle shells have nerve endings, which means turtles can feel when you touch or scratch them and they feel pain when they are injured. Whether it’s a gentle scratch or something more painful like being hit by a car, they’re totally aware of what’s happening. So always be gentle & kind — their shell is more sensitive than it looks! PS- please, don’t try this at home! This common snapping turtle has been with us for 3 months and now knows her routine- she is very smart. She came in completely par

Can turtles feel when someone touches their shell? Watch as Aquarist Jamie Merrill gives this snapping turtle a back scratch! (Turn sound on) | Mississippi Museum of Natural Science