The box turtle in my photo ventured from the woods behind my backyard and into my backyard ... this was at least a dozen years ago.
I remember putting a small saucer of ripe tomato pieces in front of it ... which it devoured more quickly than one would think possible for a turtle. For the few days he hung around the yard, I referred to him as “Mr. Shelby.”
The box turtle in my photo ventured from the woods behind my backyard and into my backyard
Your story reminded me of one from back when I was stationed at Cherry Point NC in the early 70's.
Not as sweet as yours but we thought it pretty funny at the time.
A car full of young Marines were driving back to base one hot Summer afternoon when the driver slowed down after spotting a turtle trying to cross the two lane blacktop we were on,
Well young Richter, a 19 year old PFC fresh off his families ranch in Gonzales Texas, deciders to go all white knight and save the turtle.
We stop and Richter jumps out, grabs what turns out to be a pretty large snapping turtle and tosses him into the passengers side floorboard, jumps back into the car and we take back off.
We didn't make another 30 ft before the car filled up with the most horrendous smell of stagnant swamp water & unwashed turtle.
Just as we started back up Richter began screaming in terror for us to stop again because that snapper was Hissing, Jumping and trying to Snap his balls off .
The rest of us were laughing our asses off, of course, but pull over we did and Richter scrambled out, reached back into the car grabbed the thing by its shell and tossing him toward a drainage ditch beside the road.
We laughed for days over the adventure but that horrible smell lingered in the car for weeks. ( smile )
It's almost time for our box turtles to start mating. They make a screechy little noise when they're looking for a girlfriend. Mr Giggles took a photo of two mating...they were at it All. Day. Long.
Every now and then, I come across these boys while in the Poconos. I never put my hands in hollowed ground under rocks, always look under fallen trees across trails in the woods before climbing over, and, stay out of thickets.
Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus (the biological name says it all), an endangered species
Having spent lots of time in the deep woods of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, I have seen more than my share of Timbers, Copperheads and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes. Having spent part of my life in biological population studies (mostly of Trout in wild streams), because such studies took me to pristine, beautiful forest interiors, I always considered it a kind of cosmic "honor" to come across such creatures (including Black Bears) … as long as I came across them before they came across me.
Of all such critters I've encountered, by far, the most aggressive and ill-tempered, are green and brown Water Snakes! Got photos if anyone is interested.
Are these water snakes or eels? I guess if they're water snakes this mess of them being sold at a street market in Chongqing would be Indiana Jones' worst nightmare.
This is Amos our resident armadillo in Missouri...He's looking for some grubs in this photo...He was with us for 6 years in Missouri and when we sold the house I informed the new owners that Amos came with the house and would not bother them. He was a peaceful critter.
This "monster" is a female Snapping Turtle; generally, a Snapping Turtle seen out of water (as when crossing a road in this case), is a female in search of a location to lay her eggs.
In the Ojibwe culture the snake is the symbol of rebirth because of their ability to shed their skin. The snake is a prominent in many of the native nations and each has it's own meaning of the snake.
In some native cultures it is the symbol of fertility.
Thank you for the additional information Kavika. It is good to have members from different Tribes to help explain the meanings related to their Tribe, as beliefs, traditions and customs do vary among the different Tribes.
Many Native American Tribes consider the snake as a Spirit Guide, one of which is the Cherokee Tribe. For those who do not know about Spirit Guides and what they represent you can find more information here: and here:
In Native American Tribes the Spirit Guides take the form of various animals, fish, reptiles and birds. For some various plants can be Spirit Guides. You can find the various kinds of Spirit Guides and their significance here:
Here you can find your Spirit Guide by your birthday.
No one has to be Native American to have a Spirit Guide.
The Feathers, besides being decorative, are a symbol of trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, and freedom. Different feathers have different meanings, and varies among the Tribes. You can learn more about the significance of the feathers here:
Thanks, RW, for that information and the links. I'm happy to say that my animal sign is the Otter. Interestingly I have always been most comfortable near water, whether ocean, lake or river, and as well ON the water (but ever since watching the movie "Jaws", not necessarily IN it. LOL) - I have never been seasick no matter how rough the water has been. As well, I can translate many of the attributes as being indicative of my own personality, career and lifestyle.
As for feathers, I knew about the importance and significance of the Eagle feather, but was not aware of others.
I'm happy to say that my animal sign is the Otter.
I had a Cousin whose animal sign was also the Otter. As with you, he was in love with water. Even as a wee child bath time could last for ever and he'd be happy.
My Animal Spirit is the Snake:
Snake spirit guides represents transformation, rebirth, and sexuality. They are strong creatures with strong personalities, but they often lash out during difficult situations. Snake totems teach us to work closely with the earth and to learn to understand the earth's vibrations.
My Spirit Guide is the Wolf.
The Wolf totem has a strong connection to family and their pack. The wolf spirit guide represents strength, loyalty, and community.
The Earth is our Mother, and all that dwells upon her are our Brothers and Sisters. We are all One. We are all connected.
My wife wanted very much to get back to The Poconos and live our normal lives ... so here we are and the weather is perfect!
My apprehension is being some 90 miles from her doctor and hospital but hopefully that will not be a factor.
One thing I won’t do under the current circumstances, is go into the deep woods by myself since my responsibilities at home are potentially more crucial and I don’t want to take unnecessary risks.
Otherwise, there are photo opportunities in “safer” woods interiors, and places to fish nearby.
And my wife and I and Gracie can walk around the lake or on the mountain road on which our house kid situated.
I am glad to hear that you and your wife are now in an area that is peaceful and lifts the Spirits of you both. The health of one's Spirit is often a good medicine itself, and makes life more meaningful. Your wife is very Blessed to have someone who understands this and is willing to help her find the peace that she desires, and needs, at such a time.
Yet, you still have all the surroundings that help make your own life pleasurable, and lifts your Spirits as well.
Sometimes, this is the medicine that works when others can't to help aid the healing process. (smile)
May the Creator hold you both in His loving hands.
No "Non-Compete" CLAWS either … anything CREATIVE is welcomed!
Beautiful prints, Mac. Great detail as well.
Great photo Mac. Is he your guy?
I live in a turtle preservation area, so we have a box and snappers here. Even have some slidders that made it into the mix.
The box turtle in my photo ventured from the woods behind my backyard and into my backyard ... this was at least a dozen years ago.
I remember putting a small saucer of ripe tomato pieces in front of it ... which it devoured more quickly than one would think possible for a turtle. For the few days he hung around the yard, I referred to him as “Mr. Shelby.”
Hope he still lives in the woods behind my yard.
Your story reminded me of one from back when I was stationed at Cherry Point NC in the early 70's.
Not as sweet as yours but we thought it pretty funny at the time.
A car full of young Marines were driving back to base one hot Summer afternoon when the driver slowed down after spotting a turtle trying to cross the two lane blacktop we were on,
Well young Richter, a 19 year old PFC fresh off his families ranch in Gonzales Texas, deciders to go all white knight and save the turtle.
We stop and Richter jumps out, grabs what turns out to be a pretty large snapping turtle and tosses him into the passengers side floorboard, jumps back into the car and we take back off.
We didn't make another 30 ft before the car filled up with the most horrendous smell of stagnant swamp water & unwashed turtle.
Just as we started back up Richter began screaming in terror for us to stop again because that snapper was Hissing, Jumping and trying to Snap his balls off .
The rest of us were laughing our asses off, of course, but pull over we did and Richter scrambled out, reached back into the car grabbed the thing by its shell and tossing him toward a drainage ditch beside the road.
We laughed for days over the adventure but that horrible smell lingered in the car for weeks. ( smile )
The last time I rescued a box turtle that was crossing the road, it peed on me. Ingrate!
My turtle is bigger than your turtle. LOL
We’ll compare turtle tomorrow ... I have a few huge snapping turtles to show.
They get really big, and can remove a finger for you.
We had one in our creek a few years ago but I think he moved on
Is the bearded dragon your pet?
The dragon is actually a resident in a childrens' zoo outside of Philly. In his intimidating way, he's beautiful.
I always thought they were fascinating creatures.
Say Hello to my little friend!
Little dude comes around quite a bit but I don't mind since he helps control the mouse population around the cabin.
Even found one of his shed skins up in the attic last time I was up there, (bout a decade back).
What kind of snake is that?
I've always thought of him as a "Rat Snake" , but that's just an assumption on my part. Someone might come along and set me straight. ( smile )
Rat snake images.
HA!
I thought it might be a rat snake, but I'm not well versed on snakes
I'd shit my pants while I was running to get a 20 ft. pole.
)))))))shudder(((((((((
10 Ft. would be waaaaaaay too short !
Ack. A little close for my comfort level.
Non-venomous and I have an agreement....they go on their varmint hunting mission and I will try my very best to stay out of their way.
If Mr Giggles sees a king snake in the yard he picks it up by the tail and plays with it
I have gotten about three turtles in the yard. Box turtles I believe. Luckily have never seen a snake.
It's almost time for our box turtles to start mating. They make a screechy little noise when they're looking for a girlfriend. Mr Giggles took a photo of two mating...they were at it All. Day. Long.
The local resident of Port Aransas TX.
He was out attempting to woo a female in this photo.
Every now and then, I come across these boys while in the Poconos. I never put my hands in hollowed ground under rocks, always look under fallen trees across trails in the woods before climbing over, and, stay out of thickets.
Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus (the biological name says it all), an endangered species
© A. Mac/A.G.
Having spent lots of time in the deep woods of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, I have seen more than my share of Timbers, Copperheads and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes. Having spent part of my life in biological population studies (mostly of Trout in wild streams), because such studies took me to pristine, beautiful forest interiors, I always considered it a kind of cosmic "honor" to come across such creatures (including Black Bears) … as long as I came across them before they came across me.
Of all such critters I've encountered, by far, the most aggressive and ill-tempered, are green and brown Water Snakes! Got photos if anyone is interested.
We get rattlesnakes plus water moccasins, or some call it cottonmouth.
I learned something other day about the difference between a non-venomous water snake and a water moccasin (cottonmouth)
If the snake is gliding on top of the water, it's a cottonmouth. If it's completely submerge except for its head, it's just a plain watersnake
Are these water snakes or eels? I guess if they're water snakes this mess of them being sold at a street market in Chongqing would be Indiana Jones' worst nightmare.
If they have gill covers and gills, they're eels.
This is Amos our resident armadillo in Missouri...He's looking for some grubs in this photo...He was with us for 6 years in Missouri and when we sold the house I informed the new owners that Amos came with the house and would not bother them. He was a peaceful critter.
The above is a bearded dragon in the reptile section of my local zoo. Below is a turtle at a local pond getting some sun.
Ya gotta love this photo...
I put it in my calendar that I have printed and sent out to family, friends and clients.
Many Chinese people keep turtles as pets for good luck.
This "monster" is a female Snapping Turtle; generally, a Snapping Turtle seen out of water (as when crossing a road in this case), is a female in search of a location to lay her eggs.
© A. Mac/A.G.
It may not be bigger than my stone turtle, but it sure as hell looks more vicious.
In keeping with the 'theme' of this weeks article, here is my Native American snake Spirit Guide creation.
What is the significance of the snake? What is the meaning of hanging feathers from it? Feathers hang from my dreamcatcher as well.
In the Ojibwe culture the snake is the symbol of rebirth because of their ability to shed their skin. The snake is a prominent in many of the native nations and each has it's own meaning of the snake.
In some native cultures it is the symbol of fertility.
Thank you for the additional information Kavika. It is good to have members from different Tribes to help explain the meanings related to their Tribe, as beliefs, traditions and customs do vary among the different Tribes.
Yes, the significance of shedding its skin being symbolized as rebirth makes absolute sense to me.
Many Native American Tribes consider the snake as a Spirit Guide, one of which is the Cherokee Tribe. For those who do not know about Spirit Guides and what they represent you can find more information here: and here:
In Native American Tribes the Spirit Guides take the form of various animals, fish, reptiles and birds. For some various plants can be Spirit Guides. You can find the various kinds of Spirit Guides and their significance here:
Here you can find your Spirit Guide by your birthday.
No one has to be Native American to have a Spirit Guide.
The Feathers, besides being decorative, are a symbol of trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, and freedom. Different feathers have different meanings, and varies among the Tribes. You can learn more about the significance of the feathers here:
I hope this helps answer your questions.
Thanks, RW, for that information and the links. I'm happy to say that my animal sign is the Otter. Interestingly I have always been most comfortable near water, whether ocean, lake or river, and as well ON the water (but ever since watching the movie "Jaws", not necessarily IN it. LOL) - I have never been seasick no matter how rough the water has been. As well, I can translate many of the attributes as being indicative of my own personality, career and lifestyle.
As for feathers, I knew about the importance and significance of the Eagle feather, but was not aware of others.
I had a Cousin whose animal sign was also the Otter. As with you, he was in love with water. Even as a wee child bath time could last for ever and he'd be happy.
My Animal Spirit is the Snake:
My Spirit Guide is the Wolf.
The Earth is our Mother, and all that dwells upon her are our Brothers and Sisters. We are all One. We are all connected.
Thanks for the link. It says I would be the wolf.
I'm in good company then!
Great post, RW!
Thank you Mac, I'm glad that you like it. (smile)
My wife wanted very much to get back to The Poconos and live our normal lives ... so here we are and the weather is perfect!
My apprehension is being some 90 miles from her doctor and hospital but hopefully that will not be a factor.
One thing I won’t do under the current circumstances, is go into the deep woods by myself since my responsibilities at home are potentially more crucial and I don’t want to take unnecessary risks.
Otherwise, there are photo opportunities in “safer” woods interiors, and places to fish nearby.
And my wife and I and Gracie can walk around the lake or on the mountain road on which our house kid situated.
I am glad to hear that you and your wife are now in an area that is peaceful and lifts the Spirits of you both. The health of one's Spirit is often a good medicine itself, and makes life more meaningful. Your wife is very Blessed to have someone who understands this and is willing to help her find the peace that she desires, and needs, at such a time.
Yet, you still have all the surroundings that help make your own life pleasurable, and lifts your Spirits as well.
Sometimes, this is the medicine that works when others can't to help aid the healing process. (smile)
May the Creator hold you both in His loving hands.
nv-wa-do-hi-ya-dv (Peace)