Why did the turtle cross the road.


This large snapping turtle was starting to cross the road when I saw it.
I was concerned it could be hit by a car as they aren't as fast as rabbits.


With the help of park staff, we "encouraged" the turtle onto a large shovel then dragged the shovel and turtle across the road and gently slid it off.


Chelydra serpentina

In Ontario, females do not begin to breed until they are 17 to 19 years old.

Snapping turtles only occasionally emerge from the water to bask. Despite their highly aquatic nature, they do not swim particularly well and are often observed simply walking on the bottom.

The snapping turtle is currently listed as Special Concern under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 and Special Concern under the federal Species at Risk Act.

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