snakes
Posted by pamela novak on June 27, 2006
Q: We have a sand lot on our property that is close to some wetlands and pasture ponds. Last night we were getting some sand off the lot and uncovered a what looked like a nest of eggs. These eggs are about the size of ping pong ball, white and soft maybe about 30 in number. They were buried underneath about 5-6 inches of orangey red sand. Do you think these could be turtle eggs(my husband has seen turtle on this lot) or snake. If snake, how do I know if they are poisonous or not and how do I get rid of them!
Habitat: forest/open woods
State: Indiana
Habitat: forest/open woods
A: This sounds very much like Snapping Turtle eggs to me. Large Snapping Turtles lay quite a few eggs and they look very much like ping-pong balls, just as you described. If you'd like to have some cute little snappers, you can rebury the eggs and maybe even cover with screening so Raccoons and skunks can't get to them. Incubation takes about 90 days but if late, the young don't leave but remain buried until spring. Best of luck and thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( June 27, 2006)