Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Found this turtle crossing a roadside. Which species is this? Can anyone tell me if it's a female or MALE? here's a tail closeup pic if that helps:

http://www.wtc1993.com/turtletail.jpg
If you can't please tell me how.

This guy/gal is a good size, caraspace from front-rear is probably a foot or so.

I heard snapping(if that is what it is) lay eggs in gardens miles from ponds. There is a garden across from where I found this one. Should i look for eggs? and how?

I can't think of one pond in this area though. humm..

thanks

Yes that is a common snapping turtle. And no you shouldn't go look for the eggs unless it is to put some chicken wire around and over top of it so animals can't get in to get them. And if you do want a baby or 2 then just keep an eye on it, becuase it's pretty risky to move the eggs.

to me. I'm horrible at sexing turtles, although male snappers usually don't venture far from water. Females are more likely to roam to lay their eggs. Leave the eggs alone though. AFter they are laid they form an air pocket and you can't turn the eggs.
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Thats a beautiful specimen of Chelydra s. serpentina. Its markings are similar to my own 8 year old common. Males tend to have their cloacal opening farther from the edge of the shell..the larger the turtle the easier it is to determine.