Difference in Baby Snapping Turtle & Alligator Snapper

There are two types of snapping turtles found in the United States, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. Both are named after their feisty disposition when provoked, but the alligator snapping turtle is also named for its appearance. It's easy to tell the difference between a baby snapping turtle and an alligator snapping turtle.

  1. Size

    • A baby snapping turtle's shell is only an inch or two in length upon hatching, while an adult alligator snapping turtle's shell can grow to be 32 inches long. As full-grown adults, both types of snapping turtles are similar in size and weight.

    Shape

    • The baby common snapping turtle has a smooth shell, and the alligator snapper has three rows of large, pointed ridges running down its shell. The alligator snapping turtle's arms and neck are spikier in appearance than a baby snapping turtle, although alligator snapping turtles have smaller feet than adult snapping turtles. Both turtles have sharp beaks, but the alligator snapping turtle has very pronounced points at the front of its upper and lower jaw.

    Range

    • Alligator snapping turtles have a much smaller range than baby snapping turtles. They are only found in the eastern half of the United States as far north as the southernmost tip of Canada and as far south as the northernmost part of Mexico. The common snapping turtle has a larger range, with various subspecies found in the southern half of Canada, northern half of the United States, Florida, Mexico and part of South America.

    Behavior

    • Alligator snapping turtles are considerably more dangerous than baby snapping turtles, which are relatively harmless because they are so small. As adults, both species are equally dangerous, but the alligator snapping turtle is more aggressive.