Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There is a Snapping turtle at a water treatment plant my boyfriend isworking at and the turtle climbs the fence each year to lay eggs and they hatch in there and the guys who work there every year take the babies out and take them down to the creek near there where she comes from they say. Question is, is there a way to prevent her from climbing that fence and getting in there? Is it ok to take the hatchlings down to the creek. They wanted me to consider taking some ( I previously raised and later when 5 inches released) a baby snapper someone brought to me just hatched when the area it was in was destroyed by construction) but prefer to leave them in the wild if possible. Any advice or ideas greatly appreciated.

Karen

Does the turtle climb the fence or dig under? If climbing as you say, an overhand would be sufficient. A question to ask though is if there is any suitable laying sites outside the fence. Obviously this site is working, so why prevent it?

Well the guys who work there pick them up and take them to the creek, is that ok as it seems that is the only body of water they would be going to? She is climbing the fence I believe, will check on that. I guess they feel the water treatment plant being the water is umm very dirty (to say the least) as sewage there that it is not the best place. I will get more details, if the turtle is digging under to prevent her what would they have to do? I imagine that would be tougher to remedy. I think they are just concerned about them being in their and contaminated and wanted to know what they should do? Has been going on 3 years now.

Thanks

Karen

Burying the fence 2 feet should deter her. Is she actually going into the sewage? Releasing in the nearby creek should be fine, just don't mix localities up and take the hatchlings elsewhere.

Well, they are just going to keep on doing what they are doing, letting her come in and then when they find hatchlings they will take them to the creek. They just wanted to make sure it was ok but as you said it seems like this is the safest nest area to her and for her so they will just let it continue. thanks for your advice.

Karen