The Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a large freshwater turtle of the family Chelydridae. Its natural range extends from southeastern Canada, southwest to the Rocky Mountains (and beyond, where introduced), throughout Mexico, and as far south as Ecuador. This species and the larger Alligator Snapping Turtle are both widely referred to as snapping turtles or snappers (though the Common Snapping Turtle, as its name implies, is much more widespread overall).Common snappers are noted for their belligerent disposition when out of the water, their powerful beak-like jaws, and their highly mobile head and neck (hence the specific name "serpentina", meaning "snake-like"). In some areas they are hunted very heavily for their meat, a popular ingredient in turtle soup.
Ten Facts about Snapping Turtle
- These turtles have lived for up to 47 years in captivity.
- The carapace (upper shell) length in adulthood may be nearly 50 cm (20 inches), though 25-47 cm, or 10-18.5 inches, is more common.
- Commonly weighing 4.5-16 kg (10-35 lb).
- Common habitats are shallow ponds, shallow lakes, or streams.
- Snapping turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter, and are important aquatic scavengers.
- This species mates from April through November, with their peak laying season in June and July.
- The female can hold sperm for several seasons, using it as necessary.
- Females dig whole for their eggs. After digging a hole, the female typically deposits 25 to 80 eggs each year.
- Incubation time is temperature-dependent, ranging from 9 to 18 weeks.
- Big sharks, Monster crabs & humans are predators.
