First herping trip of 2006....(DU warning)

Today was kinda warm so I decided to go for a little herping trip in the nearby woods for a few hours to relieve some stress....I was just thinking that I was stupid for going herping this early in the year.....but my day got so much better when I spotted this guy along side a creek...just a common snapping turtle...but he was freakin huge...at least a 12 in. carapace...I have not seen one that big in a while...and luckily I brought my camera so I get to share with you all :D

http://danielhillreptiles.com/wildlifepics/turtle1.JPG

http://danielhillreptiles.com/wildlifepics/turtle2.JPG

http://danielhillreptiles.com/wildlifepics/turtle3.JPG

http://danielhillreptiles.com/wildlifepics/turtle4.JPG

http://danielhillreptiles.com/wildlifepics/turtle5.JPG

VERY cool! Look at those sumo-wrestler arms! LOL Those are great pictures!!

Whoa! I was thinking to myself I thought it was a bit early too, but I'm glad you were able to spot such a cool turtle. You feeling better from that last cold? I know some good fresh air is sometimes just the thing. ;)

ha ha ....he/she was a brute :) I got a nasty leech off of its back...you can actually see it under the piece of grass on the fourth pic....so I felt like I did something good today too.

Neat. =) Congrats on finding one your first trip out!

Thanks. If the weather stays warm tomorrow I will be out again ;) So look forward to more pics.....and when March rolls around I will probably be a pic posting maniac :D

Excellent photos as always Daniel! This reminds me, we need to go lobby Matt for a field herping/wildlife picture forum LOL ;)


~~Jo~~

Awesome! ... I LOVE field herpin! ... Looks like I've got another spot to add to my "must visit" list. ;)

-adam

Since I picked up a snake hook, some snakeproof chaps, a GPS, and a new camera last year....I will be running around the woods and swamps like a madman all summer. I am always up for a good herping trip....but beware....I have a big problem of not seeing copperheads and cottonmouths until they are a few feet away;)

that sucks, i had a similar case with a rattle snake about 2 years ago. Some may not believe me but i was playing "cops and rabbers" with my nephew out in the wash right behind my house and took a step and looked down. There was a damn rattle snake between my legs. Must have been sick cuz it didnt curl up, strike(thank god) or anything until the family came down.