Common Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America, with a carapace reaching up to 50 cm in length and weights exceeding 16 kg, though some individuals grow much larger. It has a rough, dark brown to black carapace with three keeled ridges, a large head with powerful hooked jaws, a long serrated tail, and notably small plastron that leaves much of its body exposed. Unable to withdraw fully into its shell like other turtles, it relies on its aggressive temperament and powerful bite for defense on land, though it is generally docile and retreating underwater. This species inhabits virtually any freshwater body including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes throughout eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on fish, frogs, birds, small mammals, aquatic plants, carrion, and invertebrates. Snapping turtles can live over 100 years and are important apex predators in freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater divers frequently encounter them resting on muddy bottoms or slowly cruising along submerged logs.