My entry for the
#AmazingNature Contest
hosted by @adalger
~ Common Snapping Turtle~
Last week I stopped and waited for this big Snapping Turtle to cross my road before I could continue on driving and not risk running over it.
My long driveway is narrow and is very close to a large marsh/swamp.
I'm sure this is an older male. They get much larger than females.
(Chelydra serpentina)
I have seen many big Snapping Turtles over the years.
Their jaws are very powerful and sharp. They will snap at you in self defense if provoked and threatened.
They are never impressed when I get this close. I haven't had one snap out at me yet but they do make a strange audible noise clearly warning me they are not happy and feel threatened.
The message is clear...back away !!
Snapping turtles are omnivores.
A few examples of what they like to eat. Aquatic plants, vegetation, crustaceans, bugs, frogs, small rodents and ducks.
They are most vulnerable when they are small hatchlings.
As they mature and develope bigger in size they have few natural predators. I can totally understand why.
Moving vehicles are the biggest threat when they are crossing busy roads. Not just the Snapping turtles but all other turtles too.
In the wild snapping turtles are estimated to live up to 30-40 years.
The common snapping turtle ranges in size from 8 to 14 in (20-36cm)
Their average weights range from 10 to 35 lbs (4.5 - 16 kg)
They can surpass the average
size and weight. I truly do know that from my own personal sightings.
The above and below photo I took a couple of years ago. It's the biggest one I've seen so far.
This one too was crossing my road.
Snapping Turtles have been around for millions of years.
When I get close to one, especially the big ones they really are absolutely amazing.
I can truly sense the Prehistoric vibes.
Photography by
@annephilbrick
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Link for more information on the
Amazing Nature Contest.
https://hive.blog/hive-127788/@adalger/amazing-nature-contest-septermber-2020-01
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Thank You..!!!!!!!
@pixresteemer
:-D
I have picked your post for my daily hive voting initiative, Keep it up and Hive On!!
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Thank You..!!
@chitty
Greatly appreciated.
:-D
What a beauty, they make goid pets if you tame them from a hatchling
Wow that's a huge one .. I would not dare to get to close to them, hehe ^^
View or trade
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BEER.Woooow amazing shots and beautiful big turtle! I really like them😁🐢 Greetings @annephilbrick
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Hello..!!!
@juanbg
Thank You 🌞 !
I'm most glad you liked the pictures of the Snapping Turtle. They really are amazing.
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