Common snapping turtles are a prehistoric-looking reptiles known for powerful jaws, a spiked tail, and a tough, ridged shell. They live in freshwater habitats across most of North America, and spend most of their time buried in mud or lurking just beneath the surface with only eyes and nostrils exposed. They can live for decades and they play an important role in their ecosystem by scavenging and keeping aquatic environments clean. I photographed this one in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5 at 1/500th of a second.

Last week I posted a coyote walking perpendicular to my camera trap. That’s what they usually do and I get the same side profile. But the other night I had one coming toward camera for a better angle. The coyotes found in Connecticut belong to the Eastern coyote subspecies. They are larger than their western cousins. Genetic studies show they’re a hybrid mix of western coyote, eastern wolf, and domestic dog, which explains their larger size, broader skulls, and more varied behavior. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 24mm) ISO 500, f/14 at 1/200th of a second, Cognisys camera box, trail monitor and two remote flash units.

Here’s an old classic from back in 2009. But it didn’t make the cut for the 2026 mothers with offspring themed calendar. Still time to pick one or two up before the holidays at www.specieslimited.com. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 300mm) ISO 400, f/7.1 at 1/800th of a second.

Perfectly adapted to its swampy world, the top of an alligator’s head is flat, armored, and built for stealth. Its eyes, ears, and nostrils are all positioned on top, allowing the gator to see, hear, and breathe while the rest of its body remains hidden just below the water’s surface. The skin is rough and ridged, dotted with bony plates that offer protection and help regulate body temperature. Tiny pits near the snout detect vibrations and movement in the water, giving the alligator an almost sixth sense for approaching prey. In this image, I went very tight on the head and eyes from directly above the gator. Shot in Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/400th of a second.

During the fall rut in Alaska bull moose move through the trees, grunting and sniffing the air for the scent of receptive cows. Their necks swell with testosterone, and they may thrash saplings or engage in head-to-head battles with rival bulls to assert dominance. I kept my distance, for the most part, as this guy zeroed in on a nearby cow. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 140mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/1000th of a second.

We called them helicopters when I was a kid. Whirlybirds were another common nickname, but they are actually called samaras, and they are most common with maple trees. Chipmunks — like this one that recently visited my backyard camera trap — collect them and store them for winter. They peel back the paper-y outer wings and eat the seed that sits inside. Nikon D3300 with Nikkor 18-55mm lens (at 29mm) ISO 400, f/14 at 1/250th of a second, Camtraptions camera housing and triggers, Nikon SB-900 flash units.

The American mink is a semi-aquatic predator often seen darting through snowy riverbanks and icy streams during winter. Agile and fearless, the mink hunts everything from fish and frogs to rodents and birds, often diving into icy water. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/2000th of a second.