List of Turtles That Snap

There are three types of snapping turtles in North America, each of which are freshwater turtles. They are the alligator snapping turtle, common snapping turtle and the Florida snapping turtle. They receive their names due to their quick, strong bites. All three have similar body structures, diets and behaviors. Unlike other turtles, their necks and legs are exposed.

  1. Alligator Snapping Turtle

    • The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. Its shell is tan, dark brown or black, with a dark head that matches its shell. It can weigh more than 200 lbs. and reach a size of 28 inches across its shell. It has a red growth on its tongue which resembles a worm that it uses to entice its prey. Although not aggressive, it can easily sever a human finger if it feels threatened. Since its primary diet is fish, it is slaughtered by fishermen, and is on the endangered species list.

    Common Snapping Turtle

    • The common snapping turtle is North America's second largest freshwater turtle. Its shell is either brown or gray-brown with either bumps or a jagged hind edge. Its legs, head and tail are the same color as its shell. It can grow to 45 lbs. and measure up to approximately 18 inches across. The common snapping turtle is an expert at detecting dead and rotting flesh, and has been used by police to search for human corpses. It is aggressive and has been known to attack swimmers.

    Florida Snapping Turtle

    • The Florida snapping turtle has a knobby shell, a hooked beak, a long neck and three pointed ridges on the top of its tail. Its shell varies from light brown to black. It can grow to a maximum length of 19 inches and weigh up to 35 lbs. The Florida snapping turtle is fairly docile while underwater, but can be highly aggressive on land. It is easily agitated and likely to attempt to bite if approached.

    Diet

    • The diet of snapping turtles consists of vegetation, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, carrion, snails, mussels and smaller turtles. They hunt live animals and are scavengers, helping to clean up dead animals. They use their long necks for hunting and will kill other turtles by decapitating them. It is unclear if this behavior is simply an inefficient feeding behavior or a result of being highly territorial.

    Habitat

    • Snapping turtles live in ponds, slow rivers, swamps, canals and lakes with fresh or brackish water. They prefer large, permanent, quiet bodies of water with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. Snapping turtles are rarely out of the water, but will swim to the surface or bask in the sun on occasion. They like to bury themselves in mud with only their nostrils and eyes exposed to trap their prey.

    Precautions

    • Snapping turtles do not like to be disturbed and typically have short tempers. If startled, they may become aggressive or even vicious and try to bite. The beaks on their mouths are dangerously sharp. Combined with the strength of their jaws, they have the ability to sever a human finger. Since their necks are exposed and long, they are extremely mobile and can easily snap and bite if you try to pick them up. Snapping turtles are not suitable pets.