Relatives of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, have been on the planet since the Triassic Period, making them older than the long-extinct dinosaurs. Primitive and successful, snappers are hunters and are aggressive. They strike out at rattlesnake speed and their sharp beaks are made for cutting. An adult snapper can easily nip off a finger or toe.
Snapping Turtle, Rankin River
(click on image for a larger, clearer view)On the whole, I enjoy seeing them once in awhile but have no desire to get up close and personal. Imagine my surprise when I had the unexpected opportunity to photograph one.
I was standing on a car bridge overlooking the Rankin River near where it joins the Sauble River near Sauble Falls, Ontario. My interest was in scenics -- recording some of the beautiful view from the bridge -- when I heard a couple fishermen upstream holler, "Snapper swimming downstream!"
Not knowing quite what to expect I prefocused my Canon G2 on the river where it flowed out under the bridge. Within seconds, this lovely snapper swam leisurely into view, gently flapping its forelimbs to keep moving through the current. I'd only ever seen them on the bank and had no idea they were such graceful swimmers.
Pure luck. Right place, right time, with camera in hand.
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(25-Sep-2003, Revised 16-Jun-2004)
www.NorthernJourney.com -- gene@wilburn.ca