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Snapping turtle  Chelydra serpentina

(photo by Bob: 2005-06-09 - explore

Snapper   

Snapping turtle -- Chelydra serpentina. In the Petawawa Research Forest.

Each year at this time, snapping turtles emerge from their watery hiding spots to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, millions of years of evolution has not taught them the difference between a modern road and a gravel beach. The resulting mortality rate can be very high.