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I was playing fetch with my dog on the bank of the Cuyahoga River yesterday. The bank was a somewhat steep incline of large rocks. I had been stepping over what I thought to be a large rock as I threw the stick for my dog until I realized it was a very large snapper, sitting on the shore.
I thought it was dead because I poked at its front claws with a stick and on his head but he stayed perfectly still; I walked away and about 10 minutes later it started to turn to go into the water, that's when I caught him; It was extremely healthy and aggressive, beautiful clear eyes, perfect shell, just all around very healthy and strong.
What I found strange is that he didn't split at the first sight of us, especially considering the fact that he was completely exposed & out of the water.
We had been running around right in front of him for 15 minutes before it moved, (my dog even bonked it a few times with her stick when coming in from the water).
Is this some sort of defense for snappers? I've never heard of this before and am fairly educated on turtles, so found this to be odd. I don't know a whole lot about snappers so maybe it is normal to stay still like he did, but I'm very curious about this behavior. Any information would be very appreciated!

I don't know, that seems a little odd. Are you talking about the Cuyahoga River in Ohio? If so, that's cool because I live right by it.

Yes, it was off Riverview Road (near Boston Mills rd.) on the towpath around mile 22-23, near the two bridges. I was really hoping to see some turtles while I was there, but never expected to find a monster like that. It was also nice to see an abundance of painted's in the canal...Don't see that too often in Ohio anymore.

I know exactly where you're talking about, but I'm closer to the rocky river. Nice area to bike along. The amount of painted turtles is huge. Nice snappers in there too, just don't see them to often considering they dont bask too much.

Adult snappers don't fear many things. It usually depends on the activity of the area. This turtle may be used to human & pet activity, and doesn't seem to mind it. This is common in small fishing ponds, and rivers etc.

I was recently at the bronx zoo, and they have a river and pond running through the grounds. At one spot, dozens of red eared sliders bask literally feet from visitors..and right along with them is a 16-17 inch snapping turtle.

On the other hand, more wild areas hold wary snappers. I remember coming around the bend in a secluded spot in a river, and on the mud flats about 7-8 snappers were basking. They took off at first sight of us, making large splashes as they swam down river.