TURTLE LAYING EGGS
Scenario 1
Watching a turtle lay eggs
Action
Keep your distance so as not to disturb her
Scenario 2
Protecting the turtle nest from predators with a nest protector
Action
Approach the nesting turtle to briefly mark the location of the nest
Move away so as not to disturb her
Return to the nest area only after she has left
Place the nest protector* over the nest with the nest centered in the middle
Insert the spikes with washers into the holes in the corners of the frame, ensuring the spikes won’t disturb the nest itself
Drive the spikes into the ground
Remove any vegetation so the exit holes are unobstructed
Ensure the top of the nest protector is clear with full access to sun
Add a stake flag to make the protector more obvious (optional)
Leave the nest protector in place until the hatchlings emerge or late October: then remove prior to winter
* If the nest is on private property, you can install a turtle nest protector with permission
* If the nest is on public property, technically you need permission from the MNR
How to build a turtle nest protector
Additionally
A nesting turtle may dig several test holes before actually laying eggs. Make sure you are certain where the eggs were deposited.
Nest protectors should be installed preferably the same day or within 24 hours of egg laying: the nests usually get robbed of their eggs very quickly.
NEVER dig up or otherwise disturb the nest: it’s illegal and can seriously harm any eggs or hatchlings in the nest. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t see hatchlings emerge from the nest. Some turtle species over-winter in the nest and emerge the next spring.
A healthy snapping turtle population is important for a healthy lake: they eat a lot of decaying plant and animal matter which helps to keep the water clean.
Contrary to some beliefs, snapping turtles do not attack swimmers. Upon an encounter with a person in the water, the snapper’s first instinct is to quickly swim away and hide. They are aggressive only on land and only when they feel threatened.