Florida Snapping Turtle [Chelydra serpentina osceola] Juvenile

Florida Snapping Turtle [Chelydra serpentina osceola] Juvenile

This tiny juvenile (shell length 32 mm.) was found on this reporters carport in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida during the morning of 6/2/2007 following heavy rain. Despite the considerable distance to the nearest suitable water habitat for this species (several hundred yards including the crossing of a fairly busy road), this is not the first Florida Snapping Turtle that has been found at this location. The persistent drought which has plagued northeast Florida over the past year has caused many of the local water bodies to go completely dry and thus is likely at least responsible for the little guys wanderings.