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Wendy Booth, Special to the Post
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Snapping turtles can frequently be seen around Six Mile ...

Watch out for snapping turtles at Six Mile Creek
By Earl Plato, When Nature Calls
Columns
Aug 15, 2008
Elaine saw it.

It was a big snapping turtle under the Six Mile Creek bridge on the Fort Erie Friendship Trail.

This is snapping turtle territory. Over the years I have seen them here. Yes, I had my camera ready. Eventually it reappeared on the south side of the bridge. It disappeared too quickly for me. However, I share a Wendy Booth photo with you. I have seen this mammal snap a thumb-sized branch in two so easily. Beware of his jaws. Snappers eat carrion, crayfish, aquatic plants, fish, birds, small mammals and even a human finger! Some consider snapper meat to be a delicacy and excellent soups are prepared from it.

This snapper was well over a foot in length. It had a huge head with powerful jaws. Remember, it can not withdraw its head or feet for protection into its shell like our painted turtle.

Vulnerable? Yes.