Snappers are seen roaming far from water in spring when females are looking for nesting sites.

Orange Co., NC 4/6/05.

The largest freshwater turtle species in North Carolina, Snapping Turtles aren't exactly cute, but they have a lot of character. Their jaws are as dangerous as they look - watch your fingers!

This small snapper (above, left, and below) was in the road near Lake Pungo, NC 3/7/04. We made sure she made it safely across.

This huge snapper dwarfs the other turtles in the pond.

Pea Island NWR, Dare Co., NC 11/2/05.