It's a difficult and dangerous trip, as they must cross over a busy road.
That's where I come in!
This is the first year in 10 years, that I have witnessed 2 traveling not only on the same day, but at the same time.
The first female followed almost the exact same path as last year, traveling
up from the creek still covered in thick, wet, black mud.
and onto my neighbors driveway and then over the road, where
I stopped traffic, so she could cross safely.
After crossing the road and safely on the other side, she allowed me to approach her closely without hissing. I could then appreciate her large muscular legs and long claws as she hurried along
with an ungainly stride.
The second snapper came straight from the pond, through the leaves, vines and branches.
Slowly, she made her way, inching across the driveway and then lumbering up the hill.
As I collected sticks from the winter's winds and keeping my distance, I noticed she continued to choose the most difficult path.
She walked into some brambles and became tangled in an old wire fence, that took me,
and some pulling, while wearing thick protective gloves, to get her out.
Finally, I just carried her the rest of the way, over the road,
as she wiggled and snapped at me.
I'm so glad to have discovered them,
to insure their safe travels over the road
for another season!
For previous snapper turtle encounters, see blog entries:
May 7, 2010:
November 20, 2009:
