Construction Impacts on Snapping Turtles

Snapping turtles are found all over North America. They are found nearly everywhere there is fresh water, including rivers, lakes, ponds and streams or even ditches. Human construction is one of the biggest threats to snapping turtles and has a large effect on their population and breeding habits.

  1. Habitat

    • Construction can encroach on snapping turtles' habitat and pollute local bodies of water that they depend on for food and shelter. Snapping turtles are less affected by habitat loss than other wildlife species, because they can easily adapt to other habitats nearby. However, insects and fish species that the snapping turtles rely on for food cannot adapt as easily.

    Nesting

    • Turtles return to the same nesting sites every year unless they find a more desirable location to lay their eggs. Nearby construction can crush eggs or adult turtles in the area. One positive effect of construction is that it can deter predators like raccoons from destroying turtle nests and eating the eggs.

    Population

    • Snapping turtles can live up to 70 years, have slow reproductive rates and do not reach sexual maturity for years. When humans encroached on snapping turtle habitats, the reptiles can be hit by cars, or killed intentionally or accidentally. Because of their slow reproductive rate, even killing one mature female snapping turtle can negatively affect the population.

    Changes

    • Nearby construction can attract snapping turtles to the construction site, because the loose soil is easier to dig their nests in. This is dangerous to both the snapping turtles and their eggs as they run the risk of being killed or crushed.