Snapping turtle

Snapping turtles (or snappers) are large, New World freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae. The species range from southeastern Canada, west to the Rocky Mountains and south through Mexico to Ecuador.

Snapping turtles are noted for their powerful beak-like jaws and pugnacious disposition. They have a muscular build with ridged shells that may measure from 35 cm long in Chelydra species to some 66 cm long in the alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temmincki). The latter species is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, weighing up to 100 kg. The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) and its subspecies are much smaller, weighing up to 17 kg in weight. In some areas they are hunted heavily for their meat. They may live for 50 years or more.

Snapping turtles have long spiked tails and necks which can reach two thirds the lengh of their shells, making handling dangerous. They cannot fully retract their head and appendages, relying on fierce displays when aggravated. Their snapping jaws and sharp claws are capable of inflicting serious injury: these turtles are best left alone.

They are poorly suited to terrestrial locomotion, spending most of their time in ponds, shallow lakes and streams; they forgo regular basking. Rare forays onto land occur in June and July when females lay their spherical eggs. Some may inhabit brackish environments, such as estuaries. All snapping turtles are important scavengers, but will also actively hunt fish, frogs and small mammals. The alligator snapper has a flesh-red, worm-like tongue which it uses to lure fish into its mouth.

Family Chelydridae

• Subfamily Chelydrinae
  • Genus Chelydra
  • Genus Macrochelys
• Subfamily Platysterninae
  • Genus Platysternon