Have you seen this snazzy snapping turtle? Wadhams resident Nick Bailey shared this photograph on Facebook last week after rescuing the fetching female from the train tracks.

“First save… big girl 16″ long!” ~ Nicholas Bailey, May 13, 2015

While some are wary of these ungainly but powerful turtles, Nick Bailey is a veritable snapping turtle “whisperer”, taking it upon himself to ensure the safety and wellbeing of any snapping turtle he encounters.

“She’s a big female, looked like she had just emerged from the long winter. Get the word out… Snappers are important.”  ~ Nicholas Bailey, May 13, 2015

The following snapping turtles have been rescued locally by Nick Bailey. Enjoy the photographs, but consult with Nick or another well experienced snapping turtle “whisperer” before attempting to pick up a snapping turtle. Consider using a branch to gently assist the snapping turtle to safety.

Snapping Turtles Are Important

We’re all too happy to help Nick spread the word that the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is an important and beautiful (in a prehistoric sort of way) and fascinating part of our local ecosystem.

[pullquote]I ALWAYS brake for turtles! ~ Benjamin Noah Collins[/pullquote]

John Davis has offered to write an informative post soon on our local snapping turtles. And hopefully increasing our knowledge about these will also help us protect them. I’ve been deeply saddened several times since moving to Essex to discover dead snapping turtles on the side of the road, casualties of hasty drivers.

I was pleased to see that Nick’s snapping turtle save prompted accolades from friends including some familiar names.

“Benjamin Noah Collins Well done! Seems early, but there she is! I usually plan on stopping traffic and dragging them out of the road during the first week of June. I ALWAYS brake for turtles!” ~ Benjamin Noah Collins

“Nice save! That’s awesome.” ~ Rick Bunning

“Nice work!! I was thinking of you the other day as I drove by Claire Lapine ‘s house and did this:” ~ Andy MacDougal

In turns out that Nick isn’t alone in his passion for turtles!

Other Turtle Whisperers?

Essex resident Andy MacDougal’s comment was accompanied by a photo. When I asked Andy for permission to include the photo in this post, he offered several good shots that I’m including below.

Nick was pleased and offered his identification of the turtle that Andy rescued on NYS Route 22.

“Nice, Andy, looks like a juvenile Wood Turtle John.” ~ Nicholas Bailey

As luck would have it, I rescued a turtle of similar size and markings in the same area during a bike ride a few years back. I guessed that it was a painted turtle, but that’s because my knowledge of turtles is limited. I think it’s about time I learn a bit more about turtles… And in the mean time, I’ll slow down on the roads and keep my eyes peeled.

“Always, always consider stopping (in a safe place with your hazard lights flashing) when you see a turtle in the road!” ~ Andy MacDougal

Great advice, Andy. Will do!

Willsboro resident Laura Dikovsky Smith shared this terrific terrapin tale.

“I always use a stick for a snapper assist! Though I didn’t need one when I assisted abt 50 baby snappers over the berm on the dike at the back of Ausable marsh several years ago. My fav though was a Slider that for some reason was next to the road by my house that I named Ethel after someone many of us knew & loved the yr she passed over. I gave it a paddle boat ride up into the marsh & a few wks later it stopped by our dock when I was on it as if to say thanks! Turtles are so very awesome! Thanks, Nick!” ~ Laura Dikovsky Smith

Thanks, Laura!

How to Safely Relocate a Snapping Turtle

Nick has offered the following advice to help you move a snapping turtle if/when necessary.

You should definitely be careful while trying to relocate a snapping turtle. A stick will not accomplish anything but aggression in self defense. Try to figure where it’s heading… Come from behind and grab the shell firmly with both hands between the hind legs. Hold tight and move quickly to your destination. Also never pick a snapper up the well known way, by it’s tail. [That] causes a lot of muscle and internal damage. ~ Nicholas Bailey

Thanks, Nick!