Holy Snapper!!

While on my way back from visiting a Rockrose site, I came upon a deer very close to the side of the road. This caused me to slow down so as to not have a deer hood ornament, or unwelcome passenger.

When I sped back up I noticed a turtle on the other side of the road. Thinking it might be a Blanding's Turtle (just as rare as Rockroses in these parts!!), I decided to stop and check it out. Having only ever seen Painted Turtles in Canada, I was pleased to find this large, old, gnarly looking Snapping Turtle.