Mama snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) laying eggs! Females like to nest within 100 feet of water (the Little River was not far away) and in sandy or loamy soils. Snapping turtles are easily recognizable by their size, their long tail, and the jagged, saw-tooted rear edge of their upper shell (you can just make it out in this picture). They also have very powerful jaws which could easily crunch a finger or two. I gave this little lady plenty of space!