Characteristics of a Snapping Turtle

Snapping turtles, or chelydra serpentina, are freshwater turtles found in North America from South Alberta Canada and reaching as far south as central Texas. There are three different species of snappers: the common, alligator and Florida snapping turtle. The alligator snapper is the largest and most aggressive. The average adult snapping turtle surpasses 1 foot in length and weighs in at around 30 pounds. Snapping turtles tend to be shy and calm in the water, but on land are known to be more aggressive, snapping and even hissing when threatened.

  1. Alligator Snapping Turtle

    • The alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. Its pointy shell and large head make the alligator snapper easy to tell apart from the common snapper. The alligator snapping turtle̵7;s name conceals its more passive nature, as this species is the least aggressive snapping turtle. The average size of an alligator snapping turtle's shell is about 26 inches long with an average weight of 175 pounds.

    Habitats of the Snapping Turtle

    • Shallow ponds, lakes and streams are all common habitats for snappers. Though they are fresh water turtles, they prefer brackish water often found where saltwater and freshwater mix, such as an estuary or a salt marsh.

    Reproduction

    • Snapping turtle mating season occurs between April and November and, like all reptiles, they reproduce by laying eggs. Nests are typically found in the sandy soil of riverbanks and even roadsides. The female will dig a shallow hole, lay her eggs and cover them with soil. A female snapper typically lays up to 30 eggs at a time, which will take between nine and 18 weeks to hatch.

    Lifespan of Snapping Turtles

    • The typical lifespan of a snapping turtle in the wild is about 30 years and reaches up to 47 years in captivity. Snapping turtles grow fast, as much as 7 inches in length in their first two years, leaving them fewer natural predators the larger they grow.

    Snapping Turtle Diet

    • Snappers are omnivores and therefore consume both plants and animals. They scavenge for carrion or actively hunt at night for birds, frogs, small mammals and even birds. They will often burrow beneath the mud as a means of ambushing prey. Snapping turtles consume most of their food under water because their fixed tongue makes swallowing above water difficult.

    Handling a Snapping Turtle

    • All snappers are dangerous and should only be handled by those who are trained to do so. A snapping turtle̵7;s powerful bite can easily injure and even permanently disfigure humans. Even standing behind a snapper can be dangerous as their long necks can stretch as far back as half the length of their carapace. They also possess sharp claws, which can scratch and cause serious injury.