Turtles on Horn Pond
One of the most common forms of aquatic wildlife on Horn Pond are turtles. There are two main turtles that live on the lake, being the Common Snapping Turtle and the Common Musk Turtle.
Common Snapping Turtle
The Common Snapping Turtle is a large species of freshwater turtle that lives across Canada and the continental US. This turtle has a strong, beak-like jaw, a muscular build, and a rugged shell that can be tan, brown, or black. They are omnivores, eating crustaceans, frogs, snakes, fish, small turtles, small birds, and a variety of vegetation. The Common Snapping Turtle reaches maturity at age 8 to 10, and can live over 40 years. The turtle’s mating cycle lasts from April until November. The female will lay a clutch of 20-40 eggs in June, which will hatch sometime in September. During adult life, the Common Snapping Turtle has very few predators. However, as eggs, hatchlings, and juveniles, the Common Snapping Turtle is regularly preyed upon by birds and other turtles.
On Horn Pond, the Common Snapping Turtle makes its presence known. It is believed that there are anywhere from 1-3 Common Snapping Turtles on the lake. Although this species of least concern according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, they are easily subject to human disruption. Pollution, hunting and watercraft use can easily kill this majestic creature, which plays an extremely vital role in maintaining the population of various species on the lake.
Common Musk Turtle
The Common Musk Turtle is a small species of turtle (growing up to only a maximum length of 14 centimeters) that is brown or black with a highly domed shell. This turtle spends the majority of its time in shallow waters, however it is very common to catch them sunbathing along the waters edge on rocks or branches. The Musk Turtle is an omnivore, eating crustaceans, insects, and a variety of plants.
