Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina. The females are making their way ashore now to lay eggs. Some will walk a long way, unfortunately attempting to cross roads, so keep an eye out if you’re driving.
The clouds were turning on and off the sun.
I’d say this was a medium-large sized specimen. I’ve seen larger ones, true, but I’m not going to call this one small.
Correction to my other comment. Thanks for these great close-up photographs have f turtles. Being a city girl, if you didn’t take these photos, I probably would never have the chance to see these little guys at all.
What city? You maybe surprised what’s in your lakes and ponds. The thing about Snappers is that they really only come onto lang during breeding season. The rest of the time, they’re in the water. And they’re not basking turtles, like most others.