I took a photo of this snapping turtle a few years ago. I worked on this painting Big Mama Snapping Turtle in the winter, dreaming of spring.

There were lots of snappers when we first moved out here. They were often on the trail in the spring digging nests to lay their eggs in. This one didn’t seem to mind her picture being taken at all. She was busy! I’ve only seen one snapping turtle in the area this year.

Let’s keep our environment healthy so they continue to thrive!