She never expected that.
Snapping Turtle Rescued From Long Island Garden After Getting Lost
The other day in Long Island, New York, a woman glanced out at her garden and noticed something unusual. Peeking out from beneath the soil was a large animal whose brown, narrow head blended almost perfectly with sticks and leaves.
It was a snapping turtle—a surprising visitor far from his natural home.
A Turtle Far From Water
It’s unclear why the turtle ended up in the woman’s yard. He may have been searching for food, looking for a mate, or even pushed out of his territory by other turtles. Whatever the reason, he was lost and hiding in the mulch, with no safe access to water.
Fortunately, the homeowner knew exactly what to do. She contacted Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping turtles in need.
A Safe Rescue Mission
Volunteer rescuer Karen arrived quickly and gently lifted the turtle into a holding tub. She estimated that the turtle was about 30 years old and noted that he appeared stressed, hungry, and scared.
Karen drove him to a nearby freshwater site, where he could safely return to his natural environment.
Why Water Matters for Snapping Turtles
According to Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons executive director Karen Testa, snapping turtles cannot eat on land. Because they don’t produce saliva, they need to be in water to swallow their food. Without access to water, they risk starvation.
This rescue was not only timely but lifesaving, ensuring the turtle could eat, recover, and continue thriving in his proper habitat.
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