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The
common snapping turtle is sometimes referred to as the
freshwater Logger Head, and is the only turtle in Pennsylvania
with any economic value. The turtle is sought for its
meat, and is the base for Snapper Soup.
The
Snapping Turtle is ugly in appearance and disposition.
On land, it may lash out viciously, but prefers to spend
most of its time in water, walking on the bottom of
ponds, swamps, and rivers, hunting for food. When found
walking on land, it will rear up its hind quarters and
lunge forward, making a hissing sound. The Snapping
Turtle is easy to recognize by its large head. The neck
is covered by loose warty skin and the jaws end in a
distinct hook. The horny looking shell is tan or dark
brown in color, with three rows of keels running its
length.
 Snapping
Turtles lay their eggs in June, with as many as 50 eggs
in its clutch. The nest hole is four to seven inches
deep and might be dug some distance from water. Depending
on the weather, it takes nine to sixteen weeks for the
eggs to hatch. To some extent the Snapper is a scavenger,
feeding on carrion. Small ducks have fallen prey to
this large turtle, as well as fish, small mammals and
a variety of aquatic plants. Snappers can be seen throughout
the Refuge, and are distributed throughout Pennsylvania.
Female
Snapper laying eggs
Photo by: Jean Diehl
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Heinz
Refuge 30th Anniversary
a Great Success
By Bill Buchanan
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On
the weekend of June 29-30, the John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum celebrated its 30th
anniversary with events ranging from music to
artisans, live animal demonstrations, historical
walks, story telling, and a Native American exhibit.
Refuge partners helped make the event the success
that it was. Live animal demonstrations were given
by the Academy of Natural Sciences, Elmwood Park
Zoo and Drexel University. Representatives from
Tri-State Bird Rescue and the Lenni Lenape (Native
American tribe that formerly populated much of
the Delaware Valley) set up exhibits, and gave
programs.
Providing live entertainment were Jon and Jan
Haigis of Darby who were dressed in colonial attire
and performed traditional music of that era on
period instruments.
Tom Bazos, of southwest Philadelphia spent a good
part of the weekend demonstrating wood carving
techniques, as he worked on a wood piece which,
when completed, will be 3 turtles sitting on a
log.
The weekend was topped off with a ceremony to
dedicate the very popular observation platform
along the east impoundment trail to the memory
of former refuge employee and first caretaker
of the "Tinicum Wildlife Preserve",
Jim Carroll. Jim's wife, Doris, along with a large
contingent of family and friends, were on hand
for the unveiling of a plaque with his image on
the structure.
Carroll retired from the USFWS in 1987. Representatives
from the USFWS Regional Office in Massachusetts
as well as from Rep. Curt Weldon's office were
present for the event.
In spite of the sweltering heat, a good time was
had by all. A birthday cake (for the Refuge's
thirtieth birthday) was served after the ceremony,
along with much needed beverages.
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P.O. Box 333 Folcroft, PA 19032-0333