Common snapping turtle

Common Snapping Turtle

It was interesting to see this Common Snapping Turtle while on a walk earlier this week around Bassett Creek Park.  This turtle had just laid its eggs under a wood chip walking trail.  The female usually has between 25 to 80 eggs.  It takes between 9 to 18 weeks for the eggs to hatch, depending on the temperature.

These are not turtles that one wants to mess with.  They have sharp claws and a strong bite.  Snapping is their defense mechanism.

I will look forward to keeping a watch out for little turtles in the months ahead. I'm afraid many will become food for the herons and egrets that live on the pond.