Weston Forest & Trail Association and Weston’s Animal Control Officer Karen O’Reilly have recently received multiple reports of a trapped snapping turtle at Hobbs Pond in the Cat Rock conservation area. Callers are concerned that the turtle seems to be blocked in a fenced-off area next to the spillway of Hobbs Brook.

Here’s the news: Hobbes (because of course that is what we are going to name him, ACO-approved) is not in any danger, and he can get himself out the way he came in. ACO Karen O’Reilly has moved him out of the fence and then a few days later, he is back again. Please do not be leaping into the fenced-off area–Hobbes may snap at you because, well, that is what he does.

If you don’t know much about snapping turtles, here’s some information from MassAudubon:

“Found in all sorts of water bodies, from rivers to lakes to marshes, the snapping turtle can grow up to 19” long. It has three ridges on its carapace, as well as a spiky tail. It eats many different plants and animals, and becomes more vegetarian as it ages. Snapping turtles can be aggressive and deliver a painful bite if threatened, possibly because their small lower shell (plastron) leaves them vulnerable. Give them plenty of space, and be aware that their neck can stretch the length of the shell. Never grab one by the tail—you could seriously injure the turtle.”

Leave Hobbes be, and he will let you be as well.