The safe way to pick up a snapping turtle is by the tail, close to the base of the shell, and hold out as far as possible from your body if it's a big one, 'cause it is not going to appreciate the rescue! This is the only turtle with a strong enough tail to support its weight. Other turtles, if they feel like biting, hold at both sides of the shell back by the tail and watch out for clawing back feet.

Rattlesnake, don't mess with. Non-venomous snake, scootch out of harm's way with a big stick.

(Besides being a pigeon lover, I also have my beloved Cornsnake, Maizey, my Century Ride Box Turtle, Fagalo, my Tortoise, The Chicken, and my baby Glass Lizard, Russell Jr. Russell Sr. died of unknown causes about a month ago :-(

There was just talk on the ultrarunning list today about a grouse attack. Cyclosutra, your experience sounds very typical. But they just want you away from the nest/babies- _please_ don't pepper spray a bird! I think that might kill it, and then the babies don't have such a good chance.

Nanci