May 31st, 2016

I stopped in at Huron Natural Area this weekend for a walk with my daughter.  Just before pulling into the parking lot I noticed a turtle trying to cross Trillium Drive, headed in the direction of the pond.  It was a snapping turtle, probably returning from laying eggs.  Snappers will emerge from their aquatic habitats in May or June to find a sandy spot to lay their clutch of eggs.  Unfortunately, turtles are often hit by cars at this time of year.  This turtle would have been at least 17 years old to be mature enough to lay eggs.  She was rather exasperated with my efforts at saving her from a passing traffic, snapping ferociously until I got her into a bucket.

Meanwhile, my daughter was not quite sure what to make of her.

Here is the release video.

[wpvideo 1dWLb0de]

 

 

So long sweetheart!  Live to snap another day.