The snapping turtle is New York’s official state reptile. They are very common in this area, and have recently been very busy laying their eggs. This snapping turtle, as well as a few others, was seen by the banks of the Moose River last month, digging her backside into the sand. These turtles spend most of their time in the water, but the females take to land when it’s time to dig a nest where the next generation will get their start. According to the DEC’s website, snapping turtles live an average of 30 to 40 years and weigh an average of 8 to 35 pounds. Keep a safe distance from a snapping turtle, because they will bite if they feel threatened. They have long necks and strong jaws that serve as their main defense mechanism, as their undersized shells offer them little protection.