Snapping Turtle
ExploreReptile
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
Category
ReptileRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
146
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
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons raid nests for their eggs and prey on hatchlings.
hunts
American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
Snapping turtles ambush and eat adult bullfrogs.
hunts
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
They ambush sunfish, an important part of their diet.
eaten by
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Large alligators can prey on adult snapping turtles.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Solitary
Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.
Longevous
Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!
Armored
Find creatures protected by tough, hard coverings, almost like a natural shield! This armor helps keep them safe from harm in the wild.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Freshwater
Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Common Snapping TurtleEastern Snapping Turtle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
How does Snapping Turtle hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park99 sightings17 species
Wisconsin, US
Greenfield Park
You might spot White-Tailed Deer, Common Eastern Bumble Bee, and Mallard.
View guide →
Zoo27 sightings17 species
North Carolina, US
North Carolina Zoo
You might spot Lion, Giraffe, and Common Ostrich.
View guide →
Park96 sightings16 species
Massachusetts, US
Veterans Field
You might spot House Sparrow, Garlic Mustard, and Mallard.
View guide →
Park119 sightings15 species
Virginia, US
Eakin Community Park
You might spot Green Frog, Pond Slider, and Common Snapping Turtle.
View guide →
Park125 sightings15 species
Pennsylvania, US
North Park
You might spot White-Tailed Deer, Canada Goose, and Great Blue Heron.
View guide →
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Park156 sightings14 species
District of Columbia, US
Canal Park
You might spot Mallard, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and European Starling.
View guide →
