Nature Alert: Snapping Turtle Nesting Season Begins at Conestee Nature Preserve

Visitors to Conestee Nature Preserve may notice some prehistoric-looking pedestrians on the move this week. Wildlife officials at the preserve have confirmed that snapping turtle nesting season has officially arrived in the Upstate.

During late spring and early summer, female snapping turtles—some of which can live for over 50 years—venture out of their aquatic habitats in search of soft, sandy soil to deposit their eggs.

A Purposeful Migration

If you spot a large turtle on a hiking trail or crossing a park road, experts say there is no need for alarm. These females are on a mission to find the perfect nesting spot, sometimes traveling significant distances from the water to ensure their offspring have the best chance at survival.

“If you see a large snapping turtle out of the water right now, don’t worry,” preserve advocates shared. “She’s likely searching for the perfect nesting spot. It’s completely normal to see these ladies out and about laying their eggs.”

How to Coexist Safely

While these turtles are a vital part of the Conestee ecosystem, they are known for their defensive “snap” when on land. Because they cannot fully retreat into their shells like other turtle species, they use their powerful jaws to protect themselves.

Safety Tips for Visitors:

• Give Them Space: Maintain a respectful distance. A turtle on land feels vulnerable and may become stressed if approached.

• Leash Your Pets: Keep dogs on short leashes and well away from any turtles you encounter to prevent injury to either animal.

• Observe, Don’t Intervene: Unless a turtle is in immediate danger from a vehicle, the best practice is to let her continue her journey undisturbed.

• Direction Matters: If you must help a turtle cross a road, always move it in the direction it was already heading.

The Circle of Life

A single female can lay anywhere from 25 to 80 eggs in a single clutch. Once she finishes digging her shallow nest and depositing the eggs, she will return to the water, leaving the nest to incubate in the warm South Carolina soil. The hatchlings are expected to emerge later in the summer or early fall.

Conestee Nature Preserve serves as a critical sanctuary for these and many other species. By giving these “nesting ladies” the room they need, the community helps ensure that the next generation of turtles will continue to thrive in Mauldin’s backyard.

Have you spotted one of these ancient travelers on the trails yet? Remember to keep your cameras at a distance and your pets back!