Reptiles and Amphibians 2

As I mentioned before, herps are my favorite critters, so here are a few more...

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

This old snapper has been kicking around Olean, NY's 'Stink Run' for a long time (the carapice measured 17 inches). I found it in a pool along Constitution Avenue. I hope this one has survived all the development going on in that part of town. A few leeches are tagging along on the carapice. Below is a close-up of the beautiful beast.

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

I encountered this one in late April, shortly after it emerged from the hole next to it, in the base of a roadside ditch near Hinsdale, NY. This snapper was less then half the size of the first one. It wasn't pleased to see me.

Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)

When they feel threatened (from my experience, if you get within 5 feet of them) northern watersnakes are very aggressive. This one, a resident of Dodge Creek in Portville, NY, was no exception. It didn't take kindly to being removed from the water to be photographed. Once finished, however, it paused in its escape...as if to pose anyway (below). Northern watersnakes are non-venomous, but an anticoagulant in the saliva causes a bite to bleed a lot.

Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)

Wood turtles are a vulnerable species due to habitation loss and overcollection. This one was encountered at a pond near West Clarksville, NY. They were formerly known as Clemmys insculpta.

Green Frog (Rana clamitans)

This green frog (R. c. clamitans) was hanging out in a drainage ditch in Cuba, NY.

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

I found this midland painted turtle (C. p. marginata) a few yards from the wood turtle pictured above.