While venturing along a wetland I noticed a debris covered hump that wasn’t there the day before. Taking a closer look proved it to be a pair of Snapping Turtles mating. As the female was underwater, she is not visible in this photo.
Thinking back to my younger years, I remember mucking out the springs we used for watering the cattle. Sometimes a snapper would be swimming in the scoop of muck as we pulled it out with the tractor.
It is best to keep ones distance from the powerful jaws as they can easily snap an unlucky finger completely off. If you must pick up one of these creatures, pick it up by the tail and hold it at arms length from your body. As the turtle “snaps” at you, you will be amazed at the length of its neck. The only place on its body it cannot reach with its dangerous jaws is its tail.
Although I know that it is impossible for a snapper to reach its tail I am still hesitant to reach out and grab 20-30 lbs or more of fighting mad snapper so for this encounter I was most comfortable allowing the 400mm lens to do all of the reaching out and touching.
Thinking back to my younger years, I remember mucking out the springs we used for watering the cattle. Sometimes a snapper would be swimming in the scoop of muck as we pulled it out with the tractor.
It is best to keep ones distance from the powerful jaws as they can easily snap an unlucky finger completely off. If you must pick up one of these creatures, pick it up by the tail and hold it at arms length from your body. As the turtle “snaps” at you, you will be amazed at the length of its neck. The only place on its body it cannot reach with its dangerous jaws is its tail.
Although I know that it is impossible for a snapper to reach its tail I am still hesitant to reach out and grab 20-30 lbs or more of fighting mad snapper so for this encounter I was most comfortable allowing the 400mm lens to do all of the reaching out and touching.
12 comments:
Great shot of the turtle and you know, I think I would probably let my camera as well do all the reaching and touching of this fella! =)
Great shot of this evil beast.
Nice shot;-) We have desert turtles out here. The are rare and very protected here.
Jeanie
I didn't realize that this type of turtle was quite so vicious, though I guess the name is that for a reason.
Great shot Salty.
Salty: What a great photo of the snapping turtle.
My daughter caught a snapping turtle in the foot once while fishing. I made it bite on a wooden rod from the boat, while I removed the hook, so it could go on its way.
Great shot. My husband had a small one as a pet when he was young.. but I have never seen one.. thanks
And some people reach barehanded into pits under water and grab these big guys and haul them out. Not me.
Abraham Lincoln in Brookville, Ohio.
Great pic!!
I love this post and this photo. It is fascinating. I guess that girl can hold her breath for a long long time!
Nice shot of the snapper, Salty! They sure do have a powerful bite.
nice shot. I think I'd keep my distance as well. :-)
~ Wolf Lover Girl
These are the one type of turtles I will leave alone. They are scary little devils when angry. Another beautiful image.
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