Snapping Turtles On The Move!
To see a Common Snapping Turtle this time of year is not unusual. In fact, baby turtles are actually active now! Many are hatching from their nests and making their journey towards a water source. Inevitably, this means hatchlings might also be in harm's way! This was the case with a turtle found recently on our Black Course, roaming near our mowers and golf carts. While typically we leave wildlife where we find it, this situation was brought to my attention and the turtle was rescued. How did the lone hatchling even get there? It is likely that 3 months ago, the mother made this location her nest site. Gravid (pregnant) females will deposit eggs in any sunny, sandy or dirt patch they can find. Sometimes it is in hidden areas, along a forest edge or in field. Other times, the nest site selected is along a road or in a parking lot (both vulnerable areas). When a female is ready to lay her eggs she creates an excavation cavity with her hind legs. Cavities are approximately 8 i...