John Tyler of Leighton Avenue sent us this photo of a snapping turtle, one of a pair he found laying eggs in a neighbor’s yard Wednesday. Red Bank animal control officer Henry Perez advised the homeowner not to disturb the area.
According to one source, snapping turtles have been around for more than 40 million years. For more information, here’s a fascinating video showing the egg-laying and birth of baby snapping turtles, and here’s guide to local turtles and amphibians: Download Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey (Photo courtesy of John Tyler)