Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina):
These are the most prehistoric looking and acting animals of our region. They are aquatic carnivores. They prefer slow moving water of lakes, ponds, woodland swamps, and rivers. Their reputations are much worse than their bites. It is rare to be bitten by a snapper, but why tempt fate? Their jaws are powerful. You will see them out of the water during egg-laying season, and sometimes during dry weather periods when turtles are looking for new water.
Encounters with dogs rarely go well for the dog. In early autumn, all the way into November, it is common to encounter silver dollar sized babies that are hatching and making their way to water to spend the winter. If you or your dog encounters one of these, send it on its way. The turtle nests are created on dry ground in areas that may seem that they are long distances from water. In fact, mom snappers rarely go more than a couple of hundred feet from water. Even though there is not a pond or river nearby there might be a culvert, ditch or swampy area nearby. It is best to leave these babies alone.
Snapping Turtle