mysterious demise of a snapping turtle

Loohan

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In 2017 i had a pond made, about 2/3 acre. It has very little vegetation yet, in fact only a few stems sticking out this early in the year. It does have minnows i got started last year. I didn't expect it to support turtles yet.
This morning i noticed this critter floating by the shore. No rigor mortis, almost no odor, no obvious signs of trauma. Feels rubbery. Wonder what got him.

snapr.jpgsnaprback.jpg
 

Yvonne G

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Aw heck. That's too bad.

We're always hearing that turtles are so territorial, so I wonder what made such a youngster set out for your pond in the first place. Your minnows are doing ok? So that means the water's ok. Hm-m. It's a puzzler alright.
 

ZenHerper

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This body is quite bloated, so it has likely been dead for several days. Spring is a high-risk time for reptiles since their immune and metabolic systems are at a low point while bacteria and other microbes are happily multiplying.

You could have a veterinary office do a gross necropsy to look for obvious stuff like ingested non-food items that caused blockage, abnormal heart development, or giant kidney stones, etc..

Seal it in a zipper plastic bag and refrigerate (NOT freeze) if you are considering this option.
 

Loohan

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I gave him a respectful burial. Yes, my minnows have multiplied quite a bit. Some little ones can always be seen near the shore.
 

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