Hi all,
I'm brand new (as in about 5 seconds, lol) to this board...I joined specifically because of something I've located in my yard that might be a possible Snapping Turtle nest. I've not actually seen the "mystery turtle", but I've found a caved-in, pinestraw-covered tunnel located at the root-base of a very large Nandina bush in my front yard. The nest appears to be about 8" to a foot deep, and I never would have noticed it, but for my two dogs nosing under the bush repeatedly about 2-3 weeks ago. My first instinct was to steer them away from the nest altogether, as I was afraid it was some sort of a snake's nest (shiver...I'm TERRIFIED of snakes!!!!), but they were pretty respectful of the area, no digging or pawing, just lots of sniffing. However, I was afraid I couldn't drag them away on leash quickly enough if a snake DID appear and strike at them (YIKES), but I was additionally afraid I'd have a large heart attack and die on the spot if something slithered over my ankle (ERRRGGGG).
As of yesterday, I've been informed by next door neighbors that a "very large" turtle (shallow shell, not domed, as in a Box turtle) has been seen walking down my driveway and in our adjoining backyards which is a huge, heavily forested lot). I'm ELATED to think that this pinestraw-hidden cavern under my Nandina might be a turtle nest, I just need help in identifying it. I can't seem to re-size some of the pictures I took to identify whether this is an actual nest, or just a really big sinkhole under the Nandina shrub. If anyone's game for it, email me at: sandhillsrealtor@nc.rr.com, and I'll reply with the photos I took, they're pretty decent for just a hole in the pinestraw...:-0
I'd LOVE to co-exist w/ a Snapper on the property and would do anything suggested to protect it and any potential eggs from predators, feed it and make it's life a little happier. Any chance she's still around, or has she moved on?
Thanks in advance for your help and advice!!
Jenn in N.C.
