There’s a very large turtle in the mulch of my flower garden. What is it doing and how do I make it leave?
During May and June, snapping turtles leave the lakes, rivers and wetlands and go onto land in search of suitable locations to lay their eggs. Railroad grades, roadsides, sand traps at golf courses, and mulched flower beds are all places where nesting may occur. Successful sites will be in full or almost-full sunlight and the soil media is usually dark to absorb the heat needed for proper incubation. Female snapping turtles often move on rainy nights and may still be found nesting during the early morning hours. When they are finished with egg laying, they will leave to return to the water. Thus, if a turtle is encountered in the garden it will no doubt leave on its own within a few hours. If left alone, they will finish egg-laying more quickly than if bothered. It is not advisable to attempt to remove such a turtle as they may become agitated if they are interrupted or threatened. After the eggs are laid, the female does not return to the nest. Many nests (3 out of 4) are preyed upon
