Searching for snapping turtle nests: June Nature Almanac

By Shelley Schlender

Boulder Naturalists Ruth Carol Cushman and Kit Basom head to Sawhill Ponds at dawn to search for the nests of a prehistoric looking “monster” known as the snapping turtle.

Most people think this native of our Colorado marshes looks scary. And if you were to disturb one, or pick it up, its bite could break your finger! However, the naturalists say snapping turtles are actually very shy, and the reason the females come on land this time of year is to slowly and carefully dig a nest, then just as slowly, lay ping pong ball-sized eggs — often 30 eggs or more!

The mother snapping turtles then carefully bury the eggs and lumber back into their marshes, where if you see one at all, it may just be the little triangle of their head, pointing up above the water, while they keep their bodies submerged beneath.

After a snapping turtle lays her eggs, will some survive, of will those carefully laid eggs become banquets for the local raccoons, coyotes and skunks? And how does all this tie in with nature’s amazing web of life? Listen in to find out.

Nature Almanac airs the first Friday of each month on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring in-depth discussions on local news issues. Click here to listen to other episodes of the Morning Magazine.