Snapping turtle in East Stream at the Jay Estate

Not a rock! Though it camouflaged itself well in the mud, this large snapping turtle was spotted under the shade of ferns and sumac yesterday by our new summer fellows Snapping turtles are apex predators of the water. They can live up to 40 years and generally call a 4 -22 acre radius home. In this case, the historic East Stream that runs the length of our stone ha ha wall is an ideal cool, wet habitat for New York’s official state reptile. If female, this creature will likely move to sandier soil to lay eggs. We’ve previously seen these turtles digging in the gardens and hatchlings appear about 90 days later. Keep your eyes peeled for this “living dinosaur” and its babies but stay clear of its strong jaws!