Snapping Turtle (for Matt)

[Bobobird]

These shots were taken last summer and I could not find the posted thread.

So for those who missed this 7 feet long snapper -- here goes.


1. Full length.


2.


3. The tail - 3 or more feet long. Note girth of tail near the shell.


4. This is about half the tail.


5. The shell


6. Each of the painted turtles is about 8-12 inches long. It will take maybe 10-12 of the smaller shells to cover that big one.


7 The strength of the turbulence when he went down.


8. Now the head. Note the distance between the head and the shell.


9.

[NorthernFocus]

That's incredible. And scary.

[Mike Buckley]

I've never heard of a turtle with such a long tail. The snapping turtles that I was aware of as a child in Florida had the tiny tail that all other turtles have. Thanks for providing these photos!

[Brownbear]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[kdoc856]

Straight out of Jurassic Park. I had no idea such things existed. I really don't want to share the water with these. What body of water is it that I must avoid??

[jamn4ex]

Thats a lot of soup!

[Marie Hass]

How old do you think he is? Did you see the vegetation growing on his head?

He is handsome, handsome, handsome.

Marie

[FootLoose]

Thanks for posting this Bobo, I have never seen anything like it. When the first image popped up, I was reminded of pictures of the Loch Ness monster.

[Otavio]

Very nice shooting opportunity and a great job from your part, Bobo!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Wait, why are they called alligator snapping turtles? .... I kid!

Bobo, thanks for putting this up. Truly remarkable specimen; it is indeed rather scary. Would not be walking around in that body of water. I wonder if that could be a world record individual

The algae haircut is classic.

[Bobobird]

To answer a couple of questions asked above.

He lives in a pond and is normally under the boardwalk. Seldom surfaces. I have seen him on 2x in 3 years. Residents have seen him crossing the road at night. There are also some very large depressions in the reeds around the pond so he does come up and rest in there, probably at night.

There are 2 other snappers in there but much smaller - about 2 feet. They are less cautious and do come up quite frequently. One was seen the other day digging a hole probably laying eggs. I will be watching that spot.

The Toronto Zoo (where everyone is going gaga about the pandas) runs a turtle watch and asks for pic submissions. I did send these over but not even an a reply. Guess alligator size snappers are a dime a dozen in Ontario!

[HAZZA]

Amazing Bobo - never seen one or pics of one before - I used to have Turtles as pets when growing up (when it was allowed) - dont even think the Zoos I've been to have one

Well done and thanks for sharing