One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended. Happy caching!
There are two species of snapping turtle found in Florida (and North America): the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). Both are among the largest freshwater turtles in the world. As their scienetific names suggest, they are not closely despite their similiarities. The common snapper is found throughout Florida, but the alligator snapper is only found in the panhandle; both are found in other parts of the country. Alligator snapping turtles grow larger (sometimes weighing several hundred pounds) and have three distinctive ridges on their shell, in contrast to the smooth shell of the common snapping turtle. Both species of snappers are ominvores and also scavengers. They prefer animals to plants and will prey on anything they can catch and swallow. Larger snapping turtles will even eat small mammals.
Snapping turtles (especially common snappers) are know for their large, sharp beaks and frequently belligerent disposition when encountered on land. These are defensive behaviors stemming from snapping turtles being too large to tuck their bodies inside their shells. Common snapping turtles have long and flexiable necks making them almost impossible to pick up safely.