Category Archives: Animal Life on the MRG

Thanks to Dan Moriarty for today’s report on beaver activity on the MRG behind the “Miracle Mile” and on the Hypertherm Hope Foundation Trail.

Slope where beavers have slid aspen trees down to the MRG

Gnawed, but still standing tree.

Beaver lodge on far side of the river.

“The current under the Byrne bridge is very fast before it goes over the dam. If you look up river toward Lebanon, the current is still very fast because of the narrow channel near the bridge. It is amazing to me that the beavers can transport the logs up river with the fast current until it gets to the quiet water where they have built their lodge. I didn’t see any active beavers this morning but frequently see them in the river near the Steel Umbrella structure heading upriver toward Gerrish Isle bend in the river.”

There has been a lot of turtle activity on both the MRG and NRT recently, with mama turtles digging holes in which to lay their eggs. This one was digging in the hardpack at the Glen Road access to the MRG. She was digging a hole with her hind legs and totally committed to her task, ignoring the curious humans who were fascinated by her activity. She was so vulnerable! Thanks to trishaw pilot Chipper Ashley for this photo and for the ride on the trishaw! The calls of birds, a leaping deer, and shade on a hot day were added attractions to today’s ride.

Thanks to Dan Moriarty for this photo of his late morning encounter with a snapping turtle near the power dam bridge at Glen Road section of MRG. Wikipedia tells us: “The common snapping turtle is noted for its combative disposition when out of the water with its powerful beak-like jaws, and highly mobile head and neck . In water, it is likely to flee and hide underwater in sediment.” They have been around for millions of years – this one looks as if she might be an original . . . and looks like many of us before we’ve had our morning coffee!

“Made a new friend when I got drenched during downpour on MRG this afternoon. He was crossing from river to pond behind Cinemas between P&C access road and steel umbrella. Made my getting drenched worth the additional 2 mile walk back to my car worth it as the downpour continued.”

Thanks to Dan Moriarty for sharing this snapping turtle encounter! (Might this be an egg-laying SHE?)

It was fun to meet Patty this morning, with her two beautiful, well-behaved German shepherds, Keaira and Shiloh. They are regular walkers on the MRG. You may wonder why both dogs are looking off to the side instead of the camera . . . they are very focused on the treat-giver who had them “Sit pretty!”

Thanks to Becky Owens for this post of an Eastern Painted Turtle laying eggs along the MRG. Becky urges caution, not just on the MRG, (bikers and skaters please stay aware) but also when driving – too many turtles are hit by cars at this time of the year, when Mama turtles are looking for sandy places to lay their eggs..

.U.S. Fish and Wildlife service offers tips on helping turtles cross roads.

Photo by Morgan Hamilton, posted on the Lebanon Photo Gallery LebanonNH.gov/Photos