Carolyn Steele (BIS) photographed this snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) near Building 201 on June 9, 2017. This is probably a female searching for a good nesting spot; it’s prime snapper laying season and the females will travel some distance from the water to find sandy soil in which to lay their eggs.
Snapping turtles are best enjoyed from a distance. Although not generally aggressive toward people, their bite can easily amputate human fingers.
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