A Snapper of An Evening!

Last evening Judy and I were eating supper when a neighbor called and said that there was a big turte on the road in front of the grade school. I knew it either had to be a common snapper or a softshell turtle. After describing each, we decided it was definitely the common snapper (Chelydra serpentina).

We stopped our gourmet meal and we were off to the school with green bucket in hand. Notice the stupid smile on my face- I always smile like this when a reptile is in distress.

There she was just crossing the road. We picked up the critter (by the tail!) and placed her in the back of the van.

The relocation site was the backyard of Don and Marilyn Phillips across the street from our house. Stewart's Creek meanders along their property. Don came out to help. With snapper in bucket we rolled the critter down the bank into the stream. PROBLEM! The ole turtle landed on his back. Cold blooded reptiles tend to pass out briefly when on their back since the blood supply to the brain decreases. Don saved the day. He supplied an extension pole to reach down from the slippery bank and we easily turned the beast upright.

We returned to the house and warmed our supper in the microwave. It is always a good thing to be part of a reptile rescue team. Through our married life, reptiles are not the only critters that has been rescued. I married a good and caring lady!