Three weeks ago while setting out on a canoe trip in Killarney Provincial Park, we found freshly hatched Snapping Turtles. They were quite a distance from the water and seemed to be having trouble getting there, so we helped as many as we could find. I lost track, but it was at least 15.
Here's a handful getting a lift:
and one making its own way:
They were emerging from this well concealed hole, about the size of a Chipmunk hole:
The end of September seemed extremely late for these turtles to be hatching. I would have thought early September at the very latest.
The late date and the somewhat uncharacteristic nest site (grass & gravel) made me wonder if the nest was buried deeper by some parking,lot maintenance after the eggs were laid.
There are a few more photos
here.
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