This is the incredible moment a wildlife rescuer sprang into action to rescue a dangerous snapping turtle that was hiding in the backyard of a New York home.
An unidentified couple was renovating their garden when the husband noticed a mysterious object moving in a pile of dirt.
The couple called for help from animal rescuer Karenlynn Stracher, who identified the creature as a snapping turtle guarding its eggs.
Experts warn that snapping turtles can be dangerous and could even “tear off a human finger” with their strong jaws.
A couple contacted wildlife rescuer Karenlynn Stracher after discovering a mother snapping turtle in the backyard of their new home.
“If they were going to excavate the area tomorrow, the eggs had to be properly removed and the precious lives inside them had to be saved,” Stracher said in his video documenting the rescue.
When laying eggs, snapping turtles typically dig a hole and cover it with soil, before returning to a nearby body of water.
But in this case the reptile was still guarding the eggs while humans were nearby.
In his video, Stracher explained that he needed a “snow shovel” and a “large container” to bring the turtle home.
The plan was to pick it up, place it in the container and place it safely over the fence.
The rescuer added that she wanted to make sure the snapping turtle didn’t wander into the street or get hit by a car.
In the end, the snapping turtle made it to the fence on its own before becoming trapped in a small gap.
When Stracher tried to help by turning the turtle, the animal thrashed and tried to shake him off.
But he eventually managed to get through the gap and return safely to the water.
Once the turtle was out of sight, Stracher turned his attention to the eggs, taking one of the containers and filling it with moist soil from the backyard.
In total, she found an incredible 60 eggs, which she covered with another layer of soil, but had to abandon one that was damaged.
Describing what they look like in the video, she said: ‘They’re soft and chewy… They’re not like chicken eggs, they’re more like ping pong balls.’
She confirmed at the end of the video that the eggs would be destined for a breeding program for hatching and release.
TikTok users were quick to take to the comments section, praising Stracher for saving the lives of the snapping turtle and her babies.
Stracher found 60 eggs in the pile of dirt. Unfortunately, one of them was damaged and the wildlife expert was only able to save 59.
Stracher confirmed the snapping turtle was safely returned to the creek and her eggs are now in a special breeding program.
“Wow Karenlynn! What a beautiful video! I couldn’t look away. You are a great educator and an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with us,” one user wrote.
“This was truly amazing. I had no idea a turtle could lay 60 eggs. God bless you Karenlynn,” said another TikTok user.
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