It’s a holiday and I want to have a bit of fun today, so we’ll have just a brief edition of the wildlife photos: in fact, just one. But be sure to keep sending them in!
This comes from Claudia Baker, whose narrative is indented. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
This snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine) made an appearance in my driveway a couple of weeks ago. As I live quite close to a wetlands area, about 30 km southwest of Ottawa, Ontario, I often get turtles in my driveway and yard this time of the year as they are looking for suitable places to lay their eggs.Look at the size of this beast! I was taking out the garbage in the evening when I spotted her. She backed under the car a little in her fright. Those claws!
The moral: check around your car for turtles and other wildlife before driving off!
Not a bad tip. We live in turtle country down here in FLA. I’ve more than once stopped the car to help a turtle across the road, and I’ve seen others do it, too.
Likewise.
Ditto. And they still try to bite me.
Cool!! How do you know it is a she?
I can’t speak for Claudia, but like her I live very close to a wetlands, and I’ve often observed snappers crossing my yard. Many times I’ve witnessed them using their muscular tails to drill holes in the ground and then lay eggs in them. So, based on my experience, it’s more likely that a snapper crossing your property is female.
I agree Stephen, that they are most likely female. They poke around all over the driveway, yard and garden, digging holes. I have yet to see any babies, but I keep hoping.
That is a big one! They are not pleasant, and not a bit friendly, but still one should look out for them.
Claudia Baker— how heavy might such a snapper weigh, and how would you safety urge her to a more suitable location? (I looked up the videos, and there were several methods demonstrated or explained in the comments.) But have you ever had to physically had to move one?
Su – I would guess she was 50 pounds at least. She was huge. I have moved snappers who were trying to cross the road many times (and other kinds of turtles too), but never one as big as this. I just lift them on either side of the shell. But I don’t have to move them when they are in my yard or driveway, because there’s no danger and they always go off by themselves eventually.
Nice! I’d love to find a snapper on my driveway. They’re not indigenous around here, though.