Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Les Fredette in Hebron
Description
Snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtle that can be found in Connecticut. They grow eight to eighteen inches long and can weigh up to fifty pounds. They have dark brown to black shells with jagged edges. Oftentimes algae will grow and cover their upper shell. Their plastron is a lighter shade of tan. This species' skin is brown, their throat slightly lighter. Snapping turtles are known for being muscular with a large head, neck, and tail. Males are larger than females.
Habitat
This species has a high tolerance for polluted waters, making many freshwater habitats suitable. Swamps, rivers, ponds, and lakes are all common places to find snapping turtles.
Behavior
These freshwater turtles spend most of their time in the water. They can be seen floating on the surface of the water as they bask. They hibernate underwater, and can hold their breath for over six months at this time. They are at the top of the food chain, eating vegetation, fish, birds, or anything else that can fit in their mouths. They primarily ambush
prey, burying themselves in mud and waiting for something to swim by. They are very curious and may approach humans. Snapping turtles first defense is to stay still and rely on camouflage. They are more aggressive outside of water, however they are most often docile except when they are handled. They are very quick to bite. You should not attempt to pick one of these turtles up unless you have experience, their neck is able to extend far and it is easy to get a bite while holding one. Do not pick them up by their tail, as this can cause severe spinal damage. They typically lay eggs on a shore or hillside in the early summer. The clutch size is twenty to eighty eggs.
Range
Present
