COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE
Chelydra serpentina
DESCRIPTION
The Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a large freshwater turtle known for its distinctive appearance, featuring a rugged shell and a long tail. They can be recognized by their powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when threatened. These turtles are primarily aquatic but can often be found basking on logs or rocks near the water's edge.
FUN FACTS
- Common Snapping Turtles are known for their strong bite, which can easily sever a finger
- They have been observed to live for over a century in captivity, making them one of the longest-lived turtle species.| These turtles are often mistaken for being aggressive, but they are primarily defensive
- When approached, they may hiss and snap, but they prefer to retreat into the water if given the chance
QUICK INFO
Lifespan30-40 years in the wild, up to 100 years in captiv
Average Weight4.5-16 kg
Average Length20-30 inches
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Common Snapping Turtles inhabit freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and swamps. They prefer areas with soft, muddy bottoms where they can easily bury themselves.
- Biomes
- Freshwater, Wetlands
- Native Range
- The species is native to North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Common Snapping Turtles are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of food items. Their diet includes aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, and small mammals.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fish, amphibians, aquatic plants
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 1
LC
VU
4.5-16 kg
Weight
20-30 inches
Length
- Coloration
- The shell is typically dark brown to olive in color, with a rough texture, while the skin is usually dark or grayish.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females and have longer tails.
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild, up to 100 years in captiv
- Offspring per Birth
- 10-50
- Sexual Maturity
- 5-7 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but local declines may occur due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and road mortality. They are also hunted in some areas for their meat.
- Predators
- Raccoons, foxes, birds of prey, and large fish can prey on eggs and hatchlings. Adult turtles have few natural predators due to their size.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Common Snapping Turtles can retract their heads and limbs into their shells and will bite if threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Common