June 6

I came upon a small snapping turtle this afternoon making its way in earnest across Grove Street, having just exited the Anna Maria field and headed in what I can only assume was toward the wetland on the pond. Why it had come from the fields is a mystery, but it was making this journey in a seeming bee line; I watched it going slowly across the road, until concern impelled me to give some assistance.

This snapper was approximately 6” in diameter, coal black, and full of energy. Unlike its painted cousin, which will go docile within its shell upon being handled, the snapper was all fight, wriggling in defiance and trying to use its clawed legs to dislodge my grip. It was successful, as my hold was tenuous to begin, seeing that snappers have the reputation of a nasty bite, and I dropped the little thing back onto the road.

Wouldn’t you know, it pulled its head in slightly, splayed out its back legs and reared up and down somewhat rhythmically, seeming to take in air with each lift and expel it forcefully on the down. This made a slight hissing sound which only reinforced my decision to leave well enough alone.

After a few moments, it resumed its beeline, finally making the tall grass on the opposite side of the road, headed toward more peaceful locations.

Notes:

Blue-eyed grass in bloom

Deadly nightshade in bloom