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Snapping Turtles Could Be Dangerous This Time Of Year

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Snapping turtles are native to Colorado mostly above 5,500 feet. This time of year they could be especially dangerous because female snapping turtles are laying their eggs.

Boulder residents are being warned to stay away from the turtles because they could cause some serious damage.

"These can be pretty big turtles and you certainly wouldn't want to mess with them," said Division of Wildlife spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill. "Snapping turtles have that name for a reason."

They're being spotted along Twin Lakes in Boulder, where many people walk their dogs.

"I was surprised the first time, because they're so large," said one man on the trail.

"They just look at you like I really don't care who you are. This is my area,"said another woman.

Turtles spend most of their time in the water, but like to come on land, especially during breeding season.

Colorado is home to four species of aquatic turtles and one land-based turtle. The snapping turtles mostly live in wet areas in eastern Colorado.

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