Our Common Snapping Turtle

The common snapping turtle

The boys and I got an exciting call this afternoon while out running errands from our number one man! James was taking a study break/run and spotted a snapping turtle right next to his vet building! Being the brave and animal-loving man that he is, he caught it and called us to come get a gander. Luckily we were only minutes away and were there in no time! This animal was madder than a hornet but was nice enough to take a few pictures to hold us over till our next animal adventure. Apparently we could have taken him home for turtle stew but we decided to let him go instead. He's lucky 'cause Mason had his heart set on keeping him as a pet.

 James and his catch. These things can snap bones in two and are very ornery little buggers. 

 James was trying to get McCabe to come a little closer but Cabey wouldn't have anything to do with it! I guess he thought the feisty snapping was a little unfriendly looking. 

 Like a good soon-to-be vet, James helped our turtle friend by removing several leaches. Nasty.

The boys braved the beast and felt pretty cool about it!

 His nose is at the top of his little snout so that he can breath while being fully submerged and hidden, with only the tiniest tip of his nose out of the water.

Off he goes! This will make me think twice about setting foot in any murky water any time soon!