The last thing the Iero family was expecting to see in their backyard was a giant snapping turtle, but that’s exactly what they found one day. The whole family was fascinated by the creature, who they dubbed Snippy, and watched her with rapt attention. Little did they know, Snippy was about to surprise them with an amazing gift.
- Frank Iero noticed Snippy wiggling around in the dirt. He didn’t think much of it until the next morning when he saw what looked like ping-pong balls in the area where the turtle had been digging. As it turns out, those balls were actually Snippy’s turtle eggs!
- He knew he had to protect the eggs. Frank immediately felt like he had to do whatever he could to ensure Snippy’s eggs were born healthy. So, he and the family began researching on Google about how to care for turtle eggs.
- They made a nursery for the eggs. In it, they put sand and a heat lamp, offering the eggs the moisture and heat they needed to mature and become baby turtles. They checked every single day to see how the eggs were getting on.
- A few weeks later, a miracle occurred. The family was shocked and delighted when they noticed that Snippy’s eggs were hatching right before their eyes! The little creatures came out into the world, and Frank’s children named each and every one of them.
- The turtles had several days worth of food. The family was shocked to discover that snapping turtles are born with a yolk sac that gives them the nutrition they need during the first few precious days of life. From there, they can go out into the world without needing their mother.
- A local reptile sanctuary encouraged the family to release the turtles into the wild. They went to a local pond where they knew the turtles would be safe. To their amazement, the turtles seemed to know exactly what to do and where to go!
- The experience was one the family will never forget. After all, it’s not every day you get a turtle coming into your backyard to lay eggs! The Iero family did a great job ensuring the eggs were able to hatch and the baby turtles have a great chance at a long life.
