15 June 2015
Snapping Turtle
Chelydra sperentina
This 10-inch turtle was spotted from a moving vehicle next to a driveway on Fox Hollow Drive. Snapping turtles have a reputation of being ugly in appearance and disposition, so I didn't get close enough to look at any of the cool details like its long, saw-toothed tail (along the top side) or the keels along the top of its shell. The keels do flatten with age but it was hard to tell with all the mud that was on this one. They will bury themselves in mud with only their eyes showing. Peterson Field Guide for Reptiles and Amphibians states that they "may strike repeatedly" while on land but "under water they are usually inoffensive, pulling in their heads when stepped on."
Photos by Donne Sinderson
Snapping Turtle
Chelydra sperentina
This 10-inch turtle was spotted from a moving vehicle next to a driveway on Fox Hollow Drive. Snapping turtles have a reputation of being ugly in appearance and disposition, so I didn't get close enough to look at any of the cool details like its long, saw-toothed tail (along the top side) or the keels along the top of its shell. The keels do flatten with age but it was hard to tell with all the mud that was on this one. They will bury themselves in mud with only their eyes showing. Peterson Field Guide for Reptiles and Amphibians states that they "may strike repeatedly" while on land but "under water they are usually inoffensive, pulling in their heads when stepped on."
Photos by Donne Sinderson
