If you’ve found a snapping turtle in your garden or yard, you might be wondering how long does it take for a snapping turtle to lay eggs. The whole egg-laying process, from digging the nest to covering it up, typically takes about 1 to 3 hours. As a gardener, you’re likely attuned to the rhythms of nature, and witnessing this ancient ritual is a special, if messy, event.
These impressive reptiles often choose soft, sandy soil in sunny spots to lay their eggs, which can sometimes mean your vegetable patch or flower bed. Understanding their timing and behavior helps you protect both your garden and the turtle. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect, from the moment she arrives until she returns to the water.
How Long Does It Take for a Snapping Turtle to Lay Eggs
The core egg-laying event is just one part of a longer journey. A female snapping turtle will travel, sometimes over a mile, from her watery home to find the perfect nesting site. Once she’s satisfied with her location, the physical labor begins.
First, she uses her powerful hind legs to dig a flask-shaped hole. This digging alone can take 20 to 50 minutes. Then, she carefully deposits her eggs, usually one at a time with a short pause between each. This laying phase can last another 20 to 40 minutes. Finally, she fills the nest, tamps it down with her plastron (bottom shell), and disguises it. This final covering can take another 20 minutes or so. All totaled, you’re looking at a minimum of an hour, often longer.
The Snapping Turtle Nesting Timeline: A Step-by-Step Look
Let’s break down the stages of nesting so you can recognize them.
1. The Evening Arrival (Late Spring/Early Summer): Snapping turtles most often nest in the evening or at night. You might see one slowly lumbering across your lawn in June or early July. They are focused and can be deterred by hard soil or obstacles.
2. Site Selection and Digging: She will test the soil with her hind legs, often starting and abandoning a couple of shallow “test digs” before committing. The final hole is about 4 to 7 inches deep. If the ground is hard, this takes much longer.
3. The Actual Egg Laying: She positions her cloaca over the hole. You’ll see her body contract slightly with each egg laid. A typical clutch has 20 to 40 eggs, though it can vary. She is in a trance-like state during this time and is less likely to be defensive.
4. Covering and Disguising the Nest: This is a meticulous process. She sweeps soil back into the hole with her hind feet, then shifts her entire body weight over it to pack it flat. She may scatter leaves or debris over the top. When she’s done, she heads directly back to water, leaving the eggs to incubate.
What Do Snapping Turtle Eggs Look Like?
If you happen to see the eggs, they are quite distinctive. They are not hard like bird eggs. Instead, they have a leathery, flexible shell.
* They are roughly the size and shape of a ping-pong ball.
* The color is a creamy white.
* The shell is tough but slightly soft to the touch, like a leather jacket.
It’s crucial to not disturb or handle the eggs. Their orientation matters, and rotating them can harm the developing embryo.
How to Protect a Snapping Turtle Nest in Your Garden
As a gardener, you have a unique opportunity to help local wildlife. Here’s what you can do if a turtle nests in your yard.
* Mark the Spot Quietly: After the turtle has left, discreetly mark the nest’s location with a small, inconspicuous stake or stone at a distance. This prevents you from accidentally digging there.
* Consider a Protective Cage: If you have issues with raccoons, skunks, or other predators, you can build a simple cage. Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) to form a box that you stake over the nest. Ensure the holes are large enough for the hatchlings to escape in the fall.
* Avoid Watering the Area: The nest needs natural temperature and moisture levels to incubate properly. Overwatering can drown the eggs or promote fungus.
* Let Nature Take Its Course: The most simple approach is to simply avoid the area. Keep pets away and resist the urge to check on the eggs. Incubation takes about 80 to 90 days, with hatchlings often emerging in early fall.
What to Do If You See a Snapping Turtle Nesting
Your safety and the turtle’s welfare are the top priorities. Snappers on land can be surprisingly fast and have very long necks.
* Observe from a Distance: Use binoculars or watch from a window. Give her plenty of space—at least 10 feet.
* Keep Pets and Children Indoors: This protects them and prevents the turtle from feeling threatened.
* Be Patient and Quiet: Loud noises or approaching to close can cause her to abandon her nest-in-progress.
* Do Not Offer Help: She knows what she’s doing. Interfering can do more harm than good.
When Will the Baby Turtles Hatch?
Incubation time depends largely on soil temperature. Warmer nests hatch faster, and temperature also determines the sex of the hatchlings.
* Typical Incubation Period: Ranges from 75 to 95 days.
* Hatching Season: Most eggs laid in June will hatch in September or early October.
* The Hatchling Exit: Baby turtles use a small “egg tooth” to break open their shell. They may remain in the nest for a few days before all emerge together, usually after a soaking rain that softens the ground.
They then instinctively head toward the brightest horizon, which is often the open sky over water, though artificial lights can disorient them. If you see hatchlings, ensure they are safe from traffic and let them continue on their path unless they are in immediate danger.
Common Myths About Snapping Turtles and Eggs
Let’s clear up some frequent misconceptions.
* Myth: The mother turtle guards the nest.
* Fact: She leaves immediately after covering it and provides no further care.
* Myth: Moving the eggs to a “safer” location is helpful.
* Fact: This is very likely to kill the embryos. It should only be done by licensed wildlife professionals in extreme cases.
* Myth: Snapping turtles are aggressive on land.
* Fact: They are defensive and scared. They will try to get away first, but will snap if they feel cornered and cannot retreat.
FAQs About Snapping Turtle Egg Laying
How many times a year does a snapping turtle lay eggs?
A healthy female typically lays just one clutch of eggs per year, usually in a single nesting session.
What time of day do snapping turtles usually lay eggs?
They strongly prefer to nest during the evening, at night, or very early in the morning. This helps them avoid the heat of the day and some predators.
Can I move a snapping turtle nest if it’s in a bad spot?
It is strongly not recommended. The survival rate of moved eggs is very low. The best course is to protect the nest in place or, if absolutely necessary, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
How deep are snapping turtle eggs buried?
The nest cavity is usually 4 to 7 inches deep. The eggs themselves are clustered in the bottom of this hole.
Do snapping turtles always return to the same spot to lay eggs?
They often show high nesting site fidelity, meaning they may return to the same general area year after year, though not necessarily the exact same spot.
What should I do if a turtle is digging in my garden?
Simply let her finish. You can repair any minor damage to plants afterward. Remember, she is a native species playing her role in the ecosystem. The benifits of having such a creature in your local environment outweigh a few disturbed plants.
Witnessing a snapping turtle lay eggs is a remarkable experience for any gardener. It connects you to a wild process that has continued for millions of years. By knowing how long does it take for a snapping turtle to lay eggs and understanding the steps involved, you can respond with knowledge and care. You can safeguard your garden’s productivity while also giving these ancient reptiles a helping hand. The key is quiet observation, minimal interference, and a bit of patience. With this guide, you’re well-prepared to be a good steward for both your plants and your temporary reptilian visitor.