SNAPPING TURTLE

Chelydra serpentina 

IDENTIFICATION:  The snapping turtle is easily recognized by its large head, small plastron, and long tail, which is saw-toothed along the upper side.   The carapace in adults varies from almost black to light horn-brown.  They typically grow to 8 to 12 inches long; the weight of average adults in the wild is 10 to 35 pounds.

RANGE AND HABITAT:  Any permanent body of fresh water, large or small, is a potential home for a snapper; it even enters brackish water.  The snapping turtle has a wide range: from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Atlantic Ocean west to the Rocky Mountains.

DIET:  Snapping turtles are omnivores; their diet consists of various small aquatic invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, carrion, and a surprisingly large amount of vegetation.

NOTES:  Snappers rarely bask as most other turtles do.  They are usually inoffensive, pulling in their heads when stepped on.  They often bury themselves in mud in shallow water with only eyes showing.  On land they may strike repeatedly; a favorite maneuver is to stand with hindquarters elevated and jaws agape and then lunge forward.  Snapping turtles are economically important as large numbers are caught for making soups and stews.