A SNAPPY VISITOR—
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)
This assertive, recent visitor was just cresting the brow of the dam and headed toward its sanctuary of the pond’s open water. Snappers are noted for their pugnacious dispositions. They have powerful, beak-like jaws and a highly mobile head and neck—hence the name “serpentina” meaning “snake-like”.
They can reach 1/2 to 2/3 of the length of their shells, making handling dangerous. Their snapping jaws and sharp claws are capable of inflicting serious injury up to and including amputation of digits.
While we did not measure this turtle, I estimate its carapace to be 14” long. They will commonly weight from 10 to 35 pounds.
They spend most of their time beneath the surface of any body of water. They often hide in the mud of the shallows with only their head exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath. They are omnivores; eating both plants and animal matter.
Prime egg laying season is June and July and the female will travel considerable distance to find sandy soil for laying her eggs which can number from 25 to 80. Incubation is by the warm sand and can take from to 9 to 18 weeks depending on the soil temperature.
A common misconception is they can be safely handled by picking them up by the tail. This can damage the animal’s tail and vertebral column, and, they can damage the handler with the amazing speed and power of their jaws.
Curious? More information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapping_Turtle
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)
This assertive, recent visitor was just cresting the brow of the dam and headed toward its sanctuary of the pond’s open water. Snappers are noted for their pugnacious dispositions. They have powerful, beak-like jaws and a highly mobile head and neck—hence the name “serpentina” meaning “snake-like”.
They can reach 1/2 to 2/3 of the length of their shells, making handling dangerous. Their snapping jaws and sharp claws are capable of inflicting serious injury up to and including amputation of digits.
While we did not measure this turtle, I estimate its carapace to be 14” long. They will commonly weight from 10 to 35 pounds.
They spend most of their time beneath the surface of any body of water. They often hide in the mud of the shallows with only their head exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath. They are omnivores; eating both plants and animal matter.
Prime egg laying season is June and July and the female will travel considerable distance to find sandy soil for laying her eggs which can number from 25 to 80. Incubation is by the warm sand and can take from to 9 to 18 weeks depending on the soil temperature.
A common misconception is they can be safely handled by picking them up by the tail. This can damage the animal’s tail and vertebral column, and, they can damage the handler with the amazing speed and power of their jaws.
Curious? More information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapping_Turtle
2 comments:
looks like a grumpy old fella
your
spring messages have been very interesting
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