Common Snapping Turtle from Jon Fuller on Vimeo.
This Common Snapping Turtle ( Chelydra serpentina ) made a brief appearance during a short hike at the local nature preserve yesterday. Snapping Turtles are omnivorous and possess prominent claws, a stout neck, and a sharp, powerful beak. The bite from a typical adult is strong enough to sever a human finger.
This particular individual was covered with bright green moss and looked as if he deserved a role in Shadow of the Colossus. Effective camouflage for lurking at the bottom of a lake and surprising delicious fish, don’t you think?