I spotted this fellow on the side of the road in southern New Jersey. He (she?) seemed calm enough while I snapped a few pictures, posing patiently while I inched closer and closer.
Realizing that a roadway is no place for a turtle, I put the camera away and got out a small shovel I keep in my car. I used the shovel to encourage her (him?) to leave the roadway and head back into the woods. It snapped twice at me, although it was more snapping in my general direction then any real attempt to injure me. Still made me jump though. Happily, neither the shovel, the turtle, nor myself was harmed in the encounter.
14 comments:
I can almost picture him tapping those claws as he patiently waits for you to finish up. :) I wouldn't have gotten too close either! Good thing you had the shovel with you.
Great shot! I wouldn't have gotten that close!
What a cool shot! So interesting to see all the details. I love macro shots. Glad to hear no animals, humans or equipment were harmed to capture the event. As a kid I remember being told if one bites you it wouldn't let go until it thundered.Fun....
Um, what is that thing (besides SCARY) and how big is it?
Glad you helped relocate your new friend. ;-)
Terrific perspective and it was only fair that he snapped you - YOU snapped him first. Love the shot and the concern too.
@ K: I was surprised at how calm he was.
@ Jo: This is an un-cropped shot. The camera was maybe 15 inches (38 cm) away.
@ top5cats: Thanks. I had never seen one as a kid. This year alone I've seen half a dozen. Very cool.
@ Julie: It is a common snapping turtle and they are found throughout New Jersey (and elsewhere). They range in size between 12 and 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 cm). This one was toward the larger end of the range. Sadly, way too many turtles (and other reptiles) windup as road kill. They like to bask in the sun on the nice warm blacktop. Most drivers probably don' even notice they are there. But I suspect it is too cold for them in Canada, so you've nothing to worry about.
@ Ron: He actually snapped twice. Thanks.
Fabulous shot of this guy!! Glad you weren't hurt in the process of returning him/her to familiar territory.
Beautiful shot! I am happy to hear that the shovel didn't get hurt, or you and the turtle. ;)
/Viktoria
What a great shot, I love the "expression" on the turtle's face!
Super close up - he looks a little irritated though, I think he liked the road! :)
Great expression!
Very impressive animal and a great shot. i had no idea that snapping turtles could hurt one or that they got so big.
Love his eyes, those sharp clawas, and wht folds around his neck! Great shot and thanks for saving him from becoming turtle soup.
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