This critter is a freshly hatched Snapping Turtle. A nest was dug and eggs were laid this spring at my workplace. It was protected from marauding opportunists until yesterday, when it was opened and hatchlings were discovered. They faced a tough journey to the nearest water – either down a steep 6-7 meter slope, or a gentler but longer 25 meter trip through tall grass and weeds.
We carried several down to the water and released them. It was the least we could do.
No apologies for the out of focus shot. I was more attentive to expeditiously getting it down to the water than on taking a well composed photograph.
previouslytexan 