I was walking on the Brother’s Path at Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Pleasantville, NY, and saw something unexpected: a large snapping turtle crossing the trail by the dam. While I’ve seen these turtles in the water at Swan Lake, spotting one on land raises some interesting questions. Why is it out of the water? How common are they in this area? And what should you do if you encounter one?
Let’s look at these reptiles and how they fit into the Swan Lake ecosystem.
Are Snapping Turtles Common in Small Lakes in Westchester County?
Common snapping turtles are native to New York and are frequently found in ponds, lakes, and wetlands throughout Westchester County. Swan Lake offers an ideal habitat: slow-moving water, abundant aquatic vegetation, muddy bottoms, and plenty of hiding places.
Small and mid-sized lakes like Swan Lake often support healthy turtle populations, including painted and snapping turtles. While snapping turtles are harder to spot than other species because they tend to stay submerged, they are more common than most park visitors realize. Painted turtles can be seen taking over branches sticking out of Swan Lake on sunny and warm spring days.
Why Would a Snapping Turtle Be on the Trail?
Though primarily aquatic, snapping turtles often leave the water, especially during late spring and early summer. Here are a few common reasons you might see one walking across the path:
Nesting Season (Late May to June):
Females leave the water to find a sunny, well-drained location—often along trails, roadsides, or grassy areas—to lay eggs.
Changing Habitat or Seeking New Territory:
Turtles sometimes move between ponds or lakes to find better food sources, shelter, or breeding grounds.
Occasional Basking:
Although uncommon, snapping turtles may bask on land to regulate body temperature early in the season.
If you see a snapping turtle walking near the Swan Lake dam or on one of the gravel paths, especially in late spring, it’s most likely a female searching for a place to nest.
What to Do (and Not Do) If You See a Snapping Turtle
If you encounter a snapping turtle on the path, the best thing to do is observe quietly from a distance. Here’s what you should not do:
- Don’t touch or try to move the turtle, even if it looks like it’s struggling. Snapping turtles are strong and can snap quickly if they feel threatened.
- Don’t block the turtle’s path—it knows where it’s going. Let it finish its journey undisturbed.
- Don’t try to feed it or throw anything near it. This can cause unnecessary stress.
If the turtle is crossing a busy path and appears in danger from hikers or runners, stand at a distance and kindly alert others to give it space.
Facts About Snapping Turtles
Snapping turtles are among the oldest and most resilient reptiles in North America. Here are some facts that highlight just how remarkable they are:
- Diet: Omnivores that eat plants, insects, frogs, small birds, fish, carrion, and even other turtles.
- Lifespan: They can live 30 to 40 years in the wild, and over 50 years in captivity.
- Size: Adults typically weigh 10 to 35 pounds but can grow to over 18 inches long.
- Predators: Eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to raccoons, skunks, foxes, and birds. Adult turtles, due to their tough shells and powerful bite, have few natural predators.
- Reproduction: Females lay 20–40 eggs in early summer. The eggs incubate for 9–18 weeks, depending on temperature and weather.
- Temperature-dependent sex determination: The nest’s temperature can influence whether the hatchlings are male or female.
- Winter habits: In colder months, snapping turtles enter a state of brumation (a reptile version of hibernation). They bury themselves in the soft mud at the bottom of Swan Lake, slowing their metabolism and absorbing oxygen through their skin and throat lining.
Where to Look for Snapping Turtles at Swan Lake
If you’re hoping to spot a snapping turtle at Swan Lake, your best chances are:
Near the dam on Brother’s Path, I’ve seen several large snapping turtles swimming near the reeds on the dam’s “lake side.”
Look closely at the rocks and shallow spots at the far end of the lake where the Brother’s Path and Farm Meadow Trail intersect. Turtles often rest on flat stones or near submerged logs on warm days.
