BCR CRIBS. Snapper, one of Beaver Creek Reserve's longtime animal ambassadors, is settling into his new 700-gallon tank nicely. He (and BCR) could still use some support help meeting the "Turtle Fund" goal, though.

Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) needs little introduction for longtime locals or those with children in the Chippewa Valley. Founded in 1947, the nonprofit is host to and caretaker of roughly 400 acres of uniquely diverse habitats – and that’s before diving into all that's offered in its indoor facilities.

BCR’s mission is straightforward: Connect people with nature. Throughout its decades of service, the ways in which the organization meets that mission have grown immensely.

Originally situated on 160 acres, BCR has tripled its site and expanded with indoor facilities, including an observatory, various lodging, the Citizen Science Center and the Nature Center. The latter serves as a welcome and information site for visitors; is host to BCR’s retail offerings; the Scheels Discovery Room; and, among other features, the nonprofit’s resident snapping turtle.

The turtle, aptly named Snapper, is one of BCR’s oldest animal ambassadors. Hatched on-site in 2011, Snapper has likely interacted with tens of thousands of visitors, offering people an up-close learning opportunity.

In the wild, snapping turtles will live around 30-45 years. Their life span can be extended up to 100 years with proper care in captivity, so Snapper has a long life to live here at Beaver Creek. –Kristen Geifer, marketing and program director

Snapper is about 15 years old. In the wild, snapping turtles' life expectancy is around 30-45 years. With proper care in captivity, that estimate could increase to 100.

Snapper “has quite the personality” and often displays playfulness – especially for those wearing the color red, Marketing and Program Director Kristen Geifer said. (Snapper, a secret Wisconsin Badgers fan?!)

But even in a place as well-kept and fun as BCR, Snapper has been in need of a change in scenery more than once. He can blame the (excellent, knowledgeable) BCR team for that.

“Through years of healthy growth, Snapper has already outgrown two enclosures,” Geifer said. “Since joining us at Beaver Creek, Snapper’s shell has grown to a whopping 11 inches in diameter, and is still growing.”

After two years of active fundraising, Snapper moved into a new, larger tank last fall. The 700-gallon tank and its natural water elements alone cost a total $30,000.

You totally rock, dude.

Now seen swimming around his tank in the lower level of the Nature Center (Snapper formerly called the Discovery Room home), BCR – and Snapper! – are still hoping for additional community donations to help cover the cost of Snapper’s new enclosure.

“The wellbeing of our animal ambassadors is our number one priority. It is for this reason that Snapper has moved into this current enclosure as his forever home,” Geifer explained.

“In the wild, snapping turtles will live around 30-45 years. Their life span can be extended up to 100 years with proper care in captivity, so Snapper has a long life to live here at Beaver Creek.”

Visit Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Rd. K, Fall Creek) to hangout with Snapper and explore the organization’s ample activities and wildlife. Learn more about the organization at beavercreekreserve.com and donate to toward Snapper’s new tank (the “Turtle Fund”) at beavercreekreserve.org/support/donations/.