As I drove along the county road outside of Hartwick the other day, I saw a large, dark object ahead of me.
I slowed my approach and soon realized this almost all-black thing was one of the biggest snapping turtles I've ever seen. I stopped my truck and carefully walked up to the medieval-like creature.
When I was many years younger, I saw a turtle that would rival this one in size. I was driving our cows up the lane to the pasture and a huge turtle was crossing the roadway in front of me. Being only 10 or 12 years old, I felt compelled to examine the strange creature more closely.
The turtle surprised me when it hissed and took a rather aggressive stance. I was carrying a long broom handle that I used to prod cows along. As I poked at it, the monster quickly struck the wooden stick, crushing the end with its powerful jaws. I was impressed at the speed and power of such a slow-moving reptile.
This week's encounter was far less eventful. I have long since grown out of the harassment stage of my life. I really wanted to get the cumbersome fellow out of the center of the road before another vehicle came along.
I knew that you don't pick up a snapping turtle, though. Their long, snake-like necks and heads can reach back as far as their hind legs, and their powerful jaws can easily amputate a finger or two.
This particular turtle's rough segmented carapace (shell) was about 14 or 15 inches in length. Its long tail resembled that of a dinosaur or alligator with protruding crests along its top. The most impressive thing was its extremely long neck.
Snapping turtles usually lay on the bottom of muddy ponds and streams with just their snouts sticking above the water.
Although they're omnivorous, they prefer frogs, fish and small animals over plants. Many a baby duckling have become easy meals for the snapping turtle. Some say turtles can strike as fast as rattlesnakes.
Believe me, I didn't get close enough to find out.
For years, people ate snappers. I've heard turtle soup is quite delicious.
When I lived in Wells and was traveling back-and-forth on visits, I saw a fellow in Sprout Brook carrying a turtle down the road. He had shot it with an arrow in a nearby creek. I stopped to briefly talk to him and learned that he like to deep-fry the meat.
Today, eating turtles is not recommended. They have heavy fat layers, since they can't run with the speed of a rabbit. Heavy metals are concentrated in that yellow fat and are hazardous to our health.
I'm not sure if turtles are protected as an endangered species but in 2006, the New York state legislature made the snapping turtle the official state reptile.
That must give it some kind of legal status.
I wondered why a snapping turtle would be chosen as the state's reptile.
Last night as I was thinking about this column, I finally figured it out. It's quite fitting actually.
Our lawmakers in Albany accomplish things at about the same rate of speed.
See BROCKWAY on Page 15
What's happening?
 The 16th annual Friends of the NRA Banquet is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta. Proceeds benefit area youth programs, help send kids to the Department of Environmental Conservation Camp and support the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program. For reservations or more information, call George Gollin at 607-432-9063.
 The Conservation Alliance of New York will host its 10th annual Fund Raising Banquet at 5 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta. Tickets must be purchased in advance as none will be available at the door. To date, more than 175,000 venison meals have been donated by CANY to the needy in Delaware and Otsego counties. Tickets are available at Losie's Gun Shop (607-432-6452), from Rich Gravelin at Scavo's Body Shop or by calling Al Bowers at 607-432-6398.
Rick Brockway writes a weekly outdoors column for The Daily Star. E-mail him at robrockway@hotmail.com.
