People travelling near the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood saw a rare glimpse of nature Tuesday.
A large snapping turtle buried dozens of freshly-laid eggs on the edge of the embassy's property.
Residents of the area say they've never seen anything like it.
"It's strange because they kind of hang around the river," said Claude Artelle. "I've never seen one coming here."
Experts say it will take about 75 days for the eggs to hatch. When the turtles are born, they will be about the size of a loonie.
Some are concerned the turtles will be vulnerable to attacks from other animals or traffic.
"It's amazing," said resident Anna Bogic. "I don't know where she came from. I'm just really afraid a car is going to drive by and run her over."
The Ottawa Humane Society has posted a notice in the area advising the public to avoid the turtle and her eggs because she is likely to bite.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Katie Griffin
