What Are Some Differences Between the Box Turtle & the Snapping Turtle?

Turtles are one of the oldest creatures on the planet. They evolved 200 million years ago, before mammals, birds, crocodiles and lizards. They live on every continent except Antarctica and can outlive human by more than 50 years. Box turtles and snapping turtles are found across North America and have lifespans of up to 50 years. North America is home to four species of box turtles and two species of snapping turtles.

  1. Temperament

    • Box turtles are docile and make good pets.

      Box turtles are docile and are commonly sold as pets. They are difficult to keep alive in captivity, but their even temperament makes them appropriate as a family pet. Snapping turtles, as their name suggests, often snap and hiss when confronted by humans or other predators. They are unfriendly and can be dangerous to children and other animals because of their bite.

    Mouth

    • The beak of a snapping turtle is sharp and strong.

      Box turtles have a rounded mouth with a small beak at the front. They use their beak for eating worms, bugs, leafy vegetation and some fruits. Snapping turtles have a strong jaw and an equally strong bite. They have larger beaks and long necks. Snapping turtles can extend their necks to reach around their shell in order to catch prey or snap at predators. They eat worms and aquatic vegetation but are capable of catching fish.

    Shell

    • Box turtles can completely close their shells.

      Box turtles have a shell patterned with yellow markings that radiate out from the middle. Their shells are hinged and can be closed completely when they hide from predators. Box turtle shells resemble those of tortoises, but box turtles are actually more closely related to aquatic turtles. Snapping turtles have larger, heavier shells. They can be identified by three distinct ridges along the top of the shell, but these ridges can be worn down over time. Their bottom shell is smaller so that they can walk easily. Snapping turtles don't depend on their shells for protection.

    Size

    • Box turtles are smaller than snapping turtles.

      Box turtles are small- to medium-sized reptiles. They grow to a maximum of 8 inches in length. Snapping turtles are large and can vary greatly in size. They can be as small as 7 inches or a large as 31 inches in length. Females typically weigh around 5 lbs. Male snapping turtles can grow to weigh 250 lbs.