This post is part of a project in the works; "An Ogemaw County Year". The blog and eventually the book will encompass nature noticing, research and facts over the course of a year with a watercolor painting for each entry. Originals and prints will be available via the website as they are completed and prepped and the book will be available upon completion.
On an early July day, I decided to take a walk to the launch on Lodge Lake in the Rifle River Recreation Area. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the buzzing of insects, as the morning sunshine burned through a foggy layer over the lake. As I approached the mucky shore, the familiar earthy smell of the lake hit me, a comforting reminder of seasons past.
I wandered closer to the water’s edge, my boots sinking slightly into the soft, damp ground. That’s when I saw it – a large snapping turtle, half-submerged in the shallows, basking lazily in the morning sun. Its shell was encrusted with a layer of algae, giving it the appearance of a miniature, moss-covered boulder. The turtle seemed to be an ancient guardian of the lake, its rough, dark shell a testament to countless years spent in this murky domain.
I crouched down, careful not to startle the creature. The turtle’s eyes were dark and alert, peering inquisitively at its surroundings. It was fascinating to watch it scan the area, its head turning slowly from side to side. Occasionally, it would stretch its neck out, almost as if trying to catch a scent or sound carried on the warm breeze. Its powerful jaws were slightly open, the razor sharp edges reminding me to keep well out of range. The turtle’s size and the algae clinging to its shell suggested it was quite old. I found myself mesmerized by the peaceful scene, the turtle’s ancient eyes reflecting the timeless rhythms of nature. After a while, the turtle seemed to lose interest in me and resumed its basking, closing its eyes to the world.
Snapping turtles, are fascinating creatures. They are often found in freshwater habitats like lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. These turtles prefer areas with soft, muddy bottoms and abundant vegetation, which provide ample hiding places and food sources. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes fish, frogs, birds, and even small mammals. However, they are also opportunistic feeders and will consume aquatic plants and carrion when available.
The snapping turtle's life cycle begins when females lay eggs, usually in late spring or early summer. They dig nests in sandy or soft soil, often some distance from water. You will often see them on the roads in May and June, making their trek to lay eggs. Snapping turtles have an exceptionally long neck and are very much able to bite when picked up so make sure to use a shovel or stick to move them if you do see them in the road.
The eggs incubate for about three to four months, with the hatchlings emerging in late summer or early fall. These young turtles are immediately independent, making their way to water on their own. It takes several years for them to reach maturity, and they can live for decades, with some individuals reportedly living over a hundred years.
As I stood up to leave, I took one last look at the turtle, now completely still in its sun-drenched repose. It was a humbling reminder of the ancient and enduring life that thrives in even the quietest corners of our world. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the natural history that unfolds daily, often unnoticed, right at the edge of our everyday lives.
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