Delaware River, New Jersey – A remarkable video captures the serene moment a snapping turtle carefully buries her eggs on a rocky riverbank.

The footage shows the rear end of the turtle slowly covering the eggs she laid in a nest dug into the soil. Caution tape is placed around the area to prevent human disturbance.

Snapping turtles rely on instinct when laying their eggs. They use their back legs to dig a hole in soft, sandy ground. Once the eggs are laid, the mother turtle buries them and leaves.

These reptiles are not known for maternal care. The eggs incubate for 10 to 18 weeks, depending on weather and temperature. The temperature also determines the sex of the hatchlings.

Once the young turtles hatch, they dig their way out of the nest and head for water. The journey is dangerous, with predators such as birds, raccoons, and fish threatening their survival.

Despite the odds, baby snapping turtles are born ready to take care of themselves. Nature equips them with the instincts they need to begin life on their own.

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