Our little reservoir lake has multiple small rivers and creeks feeding into it and the wetland created by the beavers. It’s also a turtle paradise. Snapping turtles are especially fond of it, and right now is egg laying season. So each evening this last week has brought the females out to the main gravel parking lot where they slowly dig their holes, slowly drop their load of eggs, slowly cover them back up, and then scurry back into the water. Egg laying done, each turtle’s concern for her 20-80 eggs appears over.
I had never really looked at turtles before, so I didn’t realize how obvious it is that they, like birds and crocodiles, are literal dinosaurs. That tail alone makes them look right out of Jurassic Park. Did you know that a snapping turtle’s saggy neck can is nearly as long as its carapace (shell top)? I didn’t. But as I watched one intently watching me, it stretched its neck out out out until I thought it would tip over onto its little beaked mouth.
Depending on the weather this summer, we may or may not see the surviving hatchlings dig out. Hot weather means faster hatching times (and more female hatchlings). I read that 90% of eggs are devoured by predators the night they are laid. Ninety percent! And their odds aren’t much better once the hatchlings dig out. No wonder they lay so many eggs. The predator list is long and varied. But if they make it to adulthood, they’re pretty safe — so long as they stay away from roads and automobile traffic.
We warned a few people running their dogs off leash about the snapping turtles, but few seemed worried about it. I’d hate to see a good doggo need stitches or even break a leg because it got a little too curious, though.
*Both photos by Jeff
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On a less ‘Yay Nature’ note, a chipmunk or similar small creature made a nest in our truck, right on top of the cabin filter. We are actively trying to dissuade this arrangement. We replaced the filter, which it had eaten and torn up, and are stinking up the truck something awful with moth balls and anti-rodent balls in an effort to drive it away. If you know of a good product or practice, please drop us a line or leave a comment!
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