Reptile & Amphibian Forums

thanks!

Search the edges of the pond. Hatchling snappers spend most of their time hiding in the mud and leaves that usualy accumulate on the ponds edge.
Walk around in there, and feel around with your hands. You may also uproot baby painted, mud and musk turtles.
-Mike

Go for the very shallow ditches and small puddles first that are located near larger ponds. Small hatchlings that are just surfacing from last winter will stop at these small bodies of water until they dry up by late summer. They then move to the larger body of water. They are also crossing the roads this time of year. I saw a hatchling just yesterday while driving. I pulled over to pick it up, but the car behind me ran over it anyway. Also, It is the beginning of the laying season up in the northern states, which mainly lasts until the second week of July. I was out today, and came accross 4 large female snappers laying eggs and 5 midland painted turtles laying eggs. It was a good day for a walk (between 3and 5 pm).