05/31/2024
Just look at that shell! Talk about curb appeal! đ˘
The DEEP Wildlife Division is currently receiving many reports of nesting turtles from Connecticut residents. This is the time of year when female turtles travel to find the âperfectâ spot to dig a nest and lay eggs.
Sometimes, the location of a nest may seem questionable, but you should not intervene with a turtle in the process of laying eggs. The best course of action is to let the turtle be.
Once the eggs are laid, the female turtle covers them up and leaves. In the case of this snapping turtle, the eggs will hatch in approximately 80 to 90 days. The young will dig themselves out of the nest and instinctively head toward water.
Female turtles must often navigate across roadways during the nesting season. Should you see a turtle crossing the road and decide to stop and help it, be sure to keep the turtle pointed in the direction it is going. Only stop and assist if it is safe to do so.
More information on the snapping turtle is at https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/fact-sheets/common-snapping-turtle
Thanks to Jennifer for sharing this photo.
