Common Snapping Turtle

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a large, freshwater reptile native to North America, known for its powerful hooked jaws, long mobile neck, and saw-toothed tail [0.1].

Physical Characteristics

• Size and Weight: Adults generally measure 8 to 14 inches (20 to 36 cm) in shell length and weigh between 10 and 35 pounds (4.5 to 16 kg), though larger specimens can reach up to 75 pounds.
• Shell (Carapace): The top shell is broad and rough, often dark brown, tan, or black, and is frequently covered in algae or moss for camouflage.
• Under-shell (Plastron): The bottom shell is very small and cross-shaped, leaving the turtle's limbs and underbelly exposed and preventing it from fully retracting into its shell.
• Tail: Features a distinctive, long, saw-toothed or bumpy tail lined with bony plates that is often as long as the shell itself.

Habitat and Distribution

• Geographic Range: Found extensively across North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to Nova Scotia, Florida, and parts of the edge of the Rocky Mountains.
• Preferred Environment: Inhabits shallow, slow-moving bodies of freshwater such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes with muddy bottoms where they can easily bury themselves.

Diet and Behavior

• Diet: They are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers, feeding on fish, frogs, snakes, aquatic plants, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion.
• Temperament in Water: While submerged, they are generally shy, docile, and prefer to hide in sediment or wait quietly to ambush prey.
• Temperament on Land: When encountered on land or removed from water, they become highly defensive, striking quickly with a snake-like reach of their powerful jaws.