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Common snapping turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Photo by TimShelnutt
Published on Project Noah
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33.1928, -86.45

Field Notes

Description:

This one's shell was a about 16-18 inches. The largest one I've seen in several years. He was crossing the road at a creek. I picked him up and put him back in the creek so a car wouldn't hit him.

Species ID Suggestions

Common snapping turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Reference Link
Aaron_G
3

Comments (2)
TimShelnutt
I took it in the direction it was traveling. :-) just sped up the trip by a minute or two.
Aaron_G
This was most likely a female going off to lay her eggs. If it's possible, the best thing to do for a turtle that's crossing a road is to take it across in the direction that it's headed. If you take them back to where they had come from, they're just going to head back into the road because they are on a mission. :-)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of the South East, USA
Mission
Turtles of the Southeast U.S.
Mission
Reptiles of the South East
Mission
iExplorers with iDevices - GA, SC, KY, AL, TN

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMay 16, 2013

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