Today we had a little bit of excitement when a large snapping turtle decided to cross a busy street near my home.
Snapping turtles are native to this area.
Again, I referred to herpetology society photographs for an identification of this turtle.
GO TURTLE GO!!!
Snapping Turtle Near Sidewalk
Snapping Turtle Almost Over the Sidewalk
Fortunately, luck was with the turtle as he slowly made his way across the street.
Cars stopped in both lanes to allow him to make his away across, up the sidewalk and then over to the neighbor’s lawn.
Snapping Turtle
I’m thinking snapping turtle might be headed to the park which is in that general direction but he has a lot of neighborhood to get through.
You Can Do it Turtle!
Snapping Turtle Near Tree
Snapping Turtle Facts
Close Up of Snapping Turtle
A full grown snapping turtle can weight 50 pounds. They are fresh-water turtles who live in aquatic habitats in ponds, lakes, streams, swamps, and brackish marshes.
The turtles have an aggressive temperament, particularly on dry land, and have powerful jaws.
Snapping turtles eat insects, worms, frogs, small fish, and plant material. They often lay in wait on a muddy pond bottom for their prey.
Snapping turtles are harvested in our state for turtle meat which is mainly eaten in China. However, in 2019 new regulations limit the snapping turtle harvest by raising the minimum for curved carapaces (upper shell) from 11 to 13 inches. Permits are also only granted to our state residents.
Did you know that the. . .
Snapping Turtle is the State Reptile for New York?
Snapping Turtle Update: June 9, 2020
Snapping Turtle Near Fence
Today I believe the same snapping turtle is back in my yard.
This time he wants to get around my fence and actually tried to climb over it.
Snapping turtle climbed a big pile of rocks I have near my fence, however, he is too large to fit through the openings.
I tossed some water on him because he must be hot and dry.
I also filled up a large flat bird bath with water for him.
Snapping Turtle Trying to Climb Over Fence
Huge Snapping Turtle in my Yard
Snapping turtle is heading in the right direction if he can only find a way to get around the fence.
There is a flood plain behind my house which is where he probably originally came from.
Snapping turtle has a nasty disposition and actually took a bite out a hockey stick I tried to herd him with.
Snapping Turtle is Finally Free!
June 10, 2020 – I got up very early this morning looking for snapping turtle in my yard. My yard is huge, about a third of an acre.
I looked all over the yard but didn’t see snapping turtle lurking around and was so happy he was gone. Then I went over to the garden and saw turtle walking up and down the fence again trying to get out.
FMB’s technical director was up early too and he agreed to help me with the turtle. That’s probably the last thing you want to hear before you’ve had your morning coffee, “Will you please help me with the turtle?”
We removed one large fence panel near the turtle.
I read from a turtle rescue site that you shouldn’t pick up a turtle to take him across the road because they become disoriented and will recross the road again.
The rescue site also said that snapping turtles will freely roam while looking for a mate or for a good nesting site.
Fence Removed so Snapping Turtle Could Escape
I went in to get my phone camera of turtle taking a last bath in the bird bath water dish, and he was already out the opening.
I walked behind him to make sure he crossed that last road OK.
Snapping turtle was so happy to be free, he urinated all across the road.
Snapping turtle is heading back to the small creek that runs behind the houses and should be safe.
