ExploreReptiles

Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

The Snapping Turtle has a big, strong jaw and a tough shell. They are excellent at hiding in the water and can snap their jaws quickly if they feel threatened!

Habitat: Freshwater lakes, rivers, and swamps

Appearance

The Snapping Turtle has a large, dark, rough shell, often covered in algae. It features a long, serrated tail and a powerful, hooked jaw. Its body is typically dark green, brown, or black, helping it blend into muddy waters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyChelydridaeGenusChelydra
Snapping Turtle
wildlife trait badgesolitary trait badgelongevous trait badgearmored trait badge
Snapping Turtle

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

390

Interesting facts

Snapping turtles can live to be older than your grandparents!

Some can grow so big their shell is wider than a pizza!

Their powerful bite can easily snap a carrot in half!

They can breathe underwater using special patches in their mouths!

Special abilities

Ability

Aquatic Camouflage

Snapping Turtle has a dark, often algae-covered shell that helps them blend into murky freshwater environments.

Ability

Ambush Master

Snapping Turtle can hide in mud and weeds, ambushing prey with its powerful jaws.

Ability

Powerful Jaws

Snapping Turtle has incredibly strong jaws that help them crush shells of mollusks and capture slippery fish.

Ability

Shell-ter Skelter

Snapping Turtle has a reduced bottom shell (plastron) that helps them move easily on land and in muddy bottoms.

Measurements & details

Length
20-49 cm
Weight
4.5-16 kg
Lifespan
30-47 years
Top Speed
1 km/h
Swim Speed
5 km/h
Clutch Size
11-83
Incubation
55-125 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore, it eats plants, fish, insects, and anything else it can catch.

Age differences: Young turtles eat more insects; adults eat more fish and larger prey.

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Aquatic plants
  • Insects
  • Snails
  • Carrion

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Common Snapping TurtleEastern Snapping Turtle

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Snapping Turtle?

The easiest way to identify Snapping Turtle is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Snapping Turtle?

20-49 cm

How much does Snapping Turtle weigh?

4.5-16 kg

How long does Snapping Turtle live?

30-47 years

How fast can Snapping Turtle move?

1 km/h

What does Snapping Turtle eat?

An omnivore, it eats plants, fish, insects, and anything else it can catch.

How fast can Snapping Turtle swim?

5 km/h

Where is Snapping Turtle usually found?

Freshwater lakes, rivers, and swamps

Snap Map

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