Snapping Turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Life Cycle:

June: Females lay eggs. They will hatch within 60 days plus or minus a few weeks. Snapping Turtle eggs hatch between 55 and 125 days. Box turtle eggs hatch between 87-89 days. Temperature plays a big role in when the eggs hatch.

Are baby snappers a danger to my pets?

The young turtles are not a threat to your pets, just keep them from eating the baby turtles. More likely your pets are a threat to the turtles. I would put a little flower fence around the dig spots to keep people from walking on the nests. Let nature take care of the rest.

Protecting Snapping Turtle Eggs from predators.

A number of animals including raccoons eat turtle eggs. If you wish to protect the eggs do the following. First, don't move them or disturb them. Second, anchor a wire basket over the nest area making sure you don't damage the eggs. You must also ensure that the wire's weave also known as mesh is at least 2x2 inches square so as to allow the young hatched turtles room to escape. Air flow is also important so the eggs don't over heat. (Source Connecticut Wildlife Magazine May/June 2002 p.13)

 

6/8/04