I ran when I saw this snapper up ahead and nor in the opposite direcrion.. I was determined he would not escape my camera. I was only four feet away from this monster when I took this shot. I REALLY wanted a close up of this guy. I swear his legs were as thick as my arms. HIS head was the size of my fist, maybe even larger. This guy could easily leave you minus some fingers and a bit of your hand to boot!
I'm sure his shell was 15" more more long. His tail seeemed about 8". I was carelful NOT to move within his bite range. I not only took this head shot and picures of the whole turtle, but this feet as well. THis guys had unbelievable claws. Finding one of these guys on land is a photographer's dream. You get to see the whole un-nerving package.


The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a large freshwater turtle of the family Chelydridae. Its natural range extends from southeastern Canada, southwest to the Rocky Mountains as far east as Nova Scotia and Florida. This species and the larger alligator snapping turtle are both widely referred to as snapping turtles or snappers (though the common snapping turtle, as its name implies, is much more widespread overall).

Common snappers are noted for their belligerent disposition when out of the water, their powerful beak-like jaws, and their highly mobile head and neck (hence the specific name "serpentina", meaning "snake-like"). In some areas they are hunted very heavily for their meat, a popular ingredient in turtle soup. These turtles have lived for up to 47 years in captivity, while the lifespan of wild individuals is estimated to be around 30 years.[1]

Anatomy and morphologyChelydra serpentina have rugged, muscular builds with ridged carapaces (though ridges tend to be more pronounced in younger individuals). The carapace (upper shell) length in adulthood may be nearly 50 cm (20 in), though 25�??7 cm (9.8�??2.8 in), is more common,[2] with C. serpentina and its subspecies commonly weighing 4.5�??16 kg (9.9�??35 lb). Exceptionally large (often captive and overfed) individuals may reach 34 kg (75 lb).

Ecology and life historyCommon habitats are shallow ponds, shallow lakes, or streams. Some may inhabit brackish environments, such as estuaries. Common Snapping Turtles sometimes bask ,though rarely observed by floating on the surface with only their carapace exposed, though in the northern parts of their range they will also readily bask on fallen logs in early spring. In shallow waters, Common snappers may lie beneath a muddy bottom with only the head exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath (note that their nostrils are positioned on the very tip of the snout, effectively functioning as snorkels). Snapping turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter, and are important aquatic scavengers; but they are also active hunters that prey on anything they can swallow, including many invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles (including snakes and smaller turtles), unwary birds, and small mammals.

Snappers will travel extensively overland to reach new habitat or to lay eggs. Pollution, habitat destruction, food scarcity, overcrowding and other factors will drive snappers to move overland; it is quite common to find them traveling far from the nearest water source. This species mates from April through November, with their peak laying season in June and July. The female can hold sperm for several seasons, using it as necessary. Females travel over land to find sandy soil in which to lay their eggs, often some distance from the water. After digging a hole, the female typically deposits 25 to 80 eggs each year, guiding them into the nest with her hind feet and covering them with sand for incubation and protection. Incubation time is temperature-dependent, ranging from 9 to 18 weeks. In cooler climates, hatchlings overwinter in the nest.



Canon Powershot SD 1200 IS, Auto, Shutter speed 1/250, Aperture 4.9, ISO 125, Lens 6.2-18.6, Focal Length 18.6, Digital zomm 2.9 No Flash, Hand held

Hope you enjoy! :o) Helvi