ExploreReptiles

Typical Snapping Turtles

Chelydra

Typical snapping turtles are big reptiles that live in water and on land. They have strong jaws and a tough shell, making them unique and interesting creatures to discover!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Typical Snapping Turtle has a large, rugged, dark brown or olive-green shell with a saw-toothed rear edge. Its powerful head features a pointed snout and strong, hooked jaws. A long, muscular tail, often as long as its shell, distinguishes it from many other turtles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyChelydridaeGenusChelydra
Typical Snapping Turtles
solitary trait badgeambush_predator trait badgelongevous trait badgewetland trait badge
Typical Snapping Turtles

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby snapping turtles are only the size of a quarter when they hatch!

Despite their tough look, female snapping turtles dig perfect nests for their eggs using only their hind legs!

Some snapping turtles can stay underwater for hours by lowering their heart rate and metabolism!

They can eat almost anything, even plants and dead animals they find!

Special abilities

Ability

Powerful Bite

Typical Snapping Turtles can deliver a bone-crushing bite because of their strong jaws that help them defend themselves and catch prey.

Ability

Camouflage Master

Typical Snapping Turtles has a dark, algal-covered shell that helps them blend perfectly into murky pond bottoms, surprising unsuspecting prey.

Ability

Long Reach

Typical Snapping Turtles can extend their neck quickly to grab prey because of their flexible neck bones that help them strike from a distance.

Ability

Underwater Patience

Typical Snapping Turtles can wait motionless for hours because their low metabolism allows them to hold their breath for extended periods underwater.

Measurements & details

Length
20-47 cm
Weight
4.5-16 kg
Lifespan
30-47 years
Top Speed
10 km/h
Swim Speed
3 km/h
Clutch Size
20-40
Incubation
75-120 days
Maximum Depth
5 m

Diet & Feeding

They eat almost anything they can catch or find, from fish and frogs to plants and dead animals.

Age differences: Young turtles eat more insects; adults hunt larger fish and small animals.

Primary Foods

  • fish
  • frogs
  • crayfish
  • aquatic plants
  • waterfowl
  • carrion

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

If you see a snapping turtle, watch from a distance. They can bite if they feel scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Typical Snapping Turtles?

20-47 cm

How much does Typical Snapping Turtles weigh?

4.5-16 kg

How long does Typical Snapping Turtles live?

30-47 years

How fast can Typical Snapping Turtles move?

10 km/h

What does Typical Snapping Turtles eat?

They eat almost anything they can catch or find, from fish and frogs to plants and dead animals.

How fast can Typical Snapping Turtles swim?

3 km/h

Where is Typical Snapping Turtles usually found?

Wetlands

How does Typical Snapping Turtles hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Reptiles