Common Snapping Turtle Toy? All Answers

Turtles may not be the most expressive of pets, so it can be difficult for new turtle owners to figure out how to tell if a turtle is happy. Learning about typical turtle behavior and health can provide clues about your turtle’s mental state. As with other living organisms, each turtle is different and has its own way of life. Making a mental note — or jotting down on paper — of your turtle’s normal behavior can help identify when something is wrong with her.

Eating Behavior of a Happy Turtle A happy turtle is a turtle that will eagerly go about its meal when it’s time to feed. As they begin to get to know you and associate you with food, they may even move over to you and “beg” like a puppy craving treats. A tortoise that is refusing food and not eating regularly is most likely suffering from stress or illness.

Hunting Behavior Another diet-related behavior is hunting and chasing. Providing your turtle with some live food that it has to actively seek is good for its mental and physical needs. If you put live insects, fish, or small amphibians in their tank, a happy turtle will “hunt” them as part of their meal. If the turtle ignores you completely, it is a sign that it is depressed or unhealthy.

Turtles or semi-aquatic turtles will splash when excited, e.g. B. when their owner enters the room. This can be combined with begging behavior.

Normal Bodily Functions You should monitor your turtle regularly to ensure that it is defecating on a normal schedule. You also want to make sure the poop looks normal. A turtle showing normal bodily functions is a sign of a healthy and happy turtle.

Basking A happy turtle will bask under its heat lamps. Not seeing your turtle basking on a daily basis is a sign that they may not be healthy and exposure to UVA and UVB light is important to their health.

Agreeable to be with Many species of tortoises do not like being handled at all, so this sign is relative to your individual tortoise and species. Some tortoises are comfortable with people and will allow you to pet them on the head or under the chin. A tortoise that doesn’t shy away from this type of interaction and seeks it out is definitely a happy tortoise.

Playing with Toys Some turtle owners place toys in the tank for the turtle to “play” with. This could be a small ball that floats like a ping pong ball that the turtle pushes around in the water. Not every turtle will do this, and some you will need to interact with to teach them the game, but for those that do, it is a sign that a turtle is mentally stimulated and happy. Another commonly used turtle toy is empty seashells, which turtles love to use to interact with.

Burrowing turtles are natural foragers and a common behavior is burrowing. If you see your turtle digging in the gravel at the bottom of its tank, that’s a sign of a happy turtle. They should also regularly explore their surroundings, which can mean swimming around decorations and plants.

Clear Eyes and Breathing A healthy and happy turtle should have clear eyes with no discharge. They should also show no signs of breathing difficulties. Puffy, cloudy, or “watery” eyes with discharge are all signs your turtle is ill. Another very common sign is mouth breathing or respiratory effort. If your turtle looks healthy and is breathing normally, that’s a good indicator that it’s happy.

Out and About Another sign of a healthy and happy turtle is when you can see them moving around in their tank, sunning themselves, and generally exploring their habitat. If he hides all the time, that’s a sign of a stressed or sick turtle. It is normal for turtles to hide at times, especially when they are brand new to a tank, but continued hiding is a sign that something is wrong with your turtle.

The snapping turtle is one of the most well-known terrapins in existence, and that’s partly because their habitats stretch from Nova Scotia in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The flexibility of the snapping turtle’s diet definitely plays a role in both its wide geographical distribution and its popularity as a pet. On the surface, these voracious omnivores appear to eat just about anything put in front of them, but their habits are a little more sophisticated than this initial perception would suggest. A research paper in Psychonomic Science indicates that snapping turtle hatchlings show dietary preferences based on the first food they are offered, but they also appear to have an innate preference for certain diets.

This combination of the primacy effect and innate preference suggests that there is some degree of selective habit at work in snapping turtles’ browsing habits—but you wouldn’t know if you encountered one. Snapping turtles are opportunistic omnivores known for devouring virtually anything in their path — but they do have a distinct preference for meat. The diet of the common snapping turtle is about 30% plant matter, and the larger and more aggressive alligator snapping turtles eat significantly less vegetation and are considered primarily carnivores.

Either way, snapping turtles live in a pond or some other form of brackish water — and their size means most of the animal life in a snapping turtle’s habitat is potentially on the menu. Prey sizes can range from small invertebrates to fish and amphibians to medium-sized mammals and birds. Snapping turtles have even been known to feed on carrion.

Snapping turtles in the wild are known to feed on:

Aquatic plants (algae, moss, duckweed)

Fish (minnows, eels)

Smaller turtles and frogs

Birds (Mallards, Ducklings, Goslings)

Invertebrates (insects, crabs, snails)

Small mammals

Snapping turtles are herbivores, eating everything from aquatic plants to worms. A-Z-Tiere.com

What do snapping turtles eat in captivity and in the wild?

While a snapping turtle can eat anything that comes its way in a pond, this is not a practical choice for captive snapping turtles. In captivity, turtles should only eat two to three times a week. Baby snapping turtles should be fed every day. Live insects and worms found at a pet supply store make up a snapping turtle’s most common diet in captivity, but they can also be fed raw and lean meats like chicken and turkey. Both common and alligator snapping turtles in captivity should supplement their diets with leafy greens. Some owners choose to feed their turtles specially formulated pellets instead of raw food.

Snapping turtles in captivity are known to consume:

Insects (crickets, grasshoppers)

worms

Crustaceans (ghost shrimp, crayfish)

Fish (minnows, guppies)

Raw, lean meat (turkey or chicken)

Aquatic plants (duckweed, moss)

Leafy greens (mustard, romaine)

How do snapping turtles hunt for food?

The common snapping turtle is most commonly found in a brackish pond or stream, while the alligator snapping turtle prefers freshwater habitats. But these are both nocturnal and exclusively aquatic hunters. Their nocturnal foraging patrol usually consists of walking the bottom of the stream or lake where they live in search of prey. While younger snapping turtles often take a proactive approach to finding prey, older members of the species have learned to be more patient.

As ambush predators, adult snapping turtles bury themselves almost completely in the sand, simply waiting for prey to come by. They also have an appealing – albeit unusual – lure. The snapping turtle’s tongue resembles a worm — and when it’s the only thing visible above the sand’s surface, it’s an effective way of bringing prey right up to the turtle’s beak. Despite their slow-moving appearance, these turtles can swing incredibly fast and with great force. The force they apply when biting, in excess of 200 newtons, is usually excessive – and the most typical method of dismembering larger prey is to simply decapitate them.

An alligator snapping turtle on the road. Alligator snapping turtles sometimes prey on smaller snapping turtles. Sista Vongjintanaruks/Shutterstock.com

What Animals Do Snapping Turtles Eat?

The combination of large size, hard carapace, and powerful jaws makes the snapping turtle an unattractive choice for most predators. Common snapping turtles are sometimes killed by larger alligator snapping turtles, and both American alligators and river otters have also been known to snack on them on occasion. There have even been rare instances of adult snapping turtles being preyed upon by black bears. Luckily, as predators, their ambush tactics also help protect them from predators’ eyes.

Snapping turtle babies and eggs are obviously more vulnerable to predators, and hatchlings are vulnerable to threats from both aquatic and terrestrial sources. Large fish like pike and perch, water snakes like the cottonmouth, and mammals like mink, raccoons, and foxes all pose threats to baby turtles. But the biggest threat to adults and babies may be humans. Both alligators and snapping turtles are often taken from their habitats to be sold as pets. Alligator snapping turtles are even facing declining populations thanks to demand for their meat.

Next up: What do porcupines eat?

Turtles make great pets for families with cat or dog allergies, or for those who don’t have time to walk their pet several times a day. However, if you’re assuming turtles are low-maintenance animals that can thrive in a small tank in your home, think again. They need plenty of room to roam and an environment with relatively tight temperature controls. Their enclosures also need to be cleaned fairly often.

Not only do you need to provide your turtle with a spacious enclosure, you also need a swimming area. Although turtles are not exclusively aquatic, they spend a lot of time in the water. In fact, turtles need water to hydrate and regulate their body temperature. Ultimately, how long a turtle can go without water depends on several factors, including age, specific species, and the temperature of their enclosure. In general, a tortoise can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment.

In this article, we will discuss which species of aquatic turtles make the best pets, why turtles need water, and how you can provide your turtles with fresh and clean water.

Which Turtle Species Make Good Pets?

Before you buy a pet turtle, you should know that many turtles may start out small, but they can and do outgrow a standard aquarium. Some strains can grow as big as the lid of a garbage can. There are hundreds of turtle species, but the best turtle species for beginners are red-eared sliders, mud turtles, musk turtles, and spotted turtles. All of these species are aquatic or semi-aquatic, which means you should provide them with a decent swimming area.

Box turtles are another popular pet turtle species that doesn’t actually require an area of ​​water to swim in. Instead, they need a shallow bowl of water for drinking and wading. Box turtles can swim but are not particularly strong swimmers. So if you put them in a deeper swimming area, they’re more likely to drown.

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Why do turtles need water?

Aquatic turtles not only need water to drink and swim, but also to eat. That’s because they don’t produce saliva; the water actually helps them swallow their food. As a result, you’ll find that turtles spend a lot of time in the water: swimming, eating, drinking, and even defecating. As we will discuss, it is important to keep your turtle’s water clean.

As cold-blooded animals, turtles also rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they go into the water to cool off when they get too hot in the sun. It is important that your turtle’s water and tank temperature are well regulated; Turtles can get sick if the water is too cold. The water temperature should always be between 22 and 25 °C.

This is how you provide your turtle with fresh water

One of the most important considerations to make when setting up your turtle’s enclosure is the type of water you are providing. There are conflicting opinions as to whether tap water is healthy for turtles. Chlorine is often added to tap water as a disinfectant, and while the level of chlorine is safe for humans, it can irritate your turtles. It can also destroy beneficial bacteria in your turtle’s shell and disrupt the nitrogen cycle. Because of the potential problems that regular tap water can cause, it’s a good idea to dechlorinate your tap water before adding it to your turtle’s tank. You can buy water conditioners that will simplify the process.

You must also ensure that your turtle’s tank is cleaned regularly. Turtles spend a lot of time in the water, which makes it very dirty very quickly. If you are not careful to clean the water regularly, not only will your turtle’s tank look cloudy and likely smell bad, but your turtles could also become ill. One way to achieve a clean tank is to regularly replace some of your turtle’s water with fresh water. This allows you to dilute waste in the water. You should also invest in a filter. A good rule of thumb when purchasing a filter is to choose a filter that is rated for a larger tank than you have.

Conclusion

The specific amount of time your turtle can go without water depends on its species, age, and overall climate. However, you should always provide your turtle with clean water whenever possible; This is very important to your turtle’s well-being.

Looking for more turtle items? Try what turtles love to play with!

Credit for selected images: Piqsels

Baby snappers may seem like cute, adorable little turtle friends at first glance – but don’t let first impressions fool you!

Snapping turtles get big and sometimes even mean. Although they are aquatic turtles, they won’t fit in a small tank or standard aquarium forever – these are just quick turtle facts.

Baby snapping turtles are quite a commitment, and they only make good pets for experienced keepers.

Read on to learn more about snapping turtle care requirements.

facts at a glance

Common name Alligator snapping turtle Common snapping turtle Scientific name Macrochelys temminckii Chelydra serpentina Adult size Chelydra serpentina: Carapace (upper shell): 9.8 – 20 inches (24.9 – 50.8 cm) Weight: 9.9 – 35.3 lbs. (4.5 – 16 kg) Macrochelys temminckii: Carapace (upper shell): 13.8 – 31.8 inches (35.1 – 80.8 cm) Weight: 19 – 176 lbs. (8.6-79.8 kg) Native kingdom As far south as Ecuador in South America As far north as Manitoba, Canada As far west as New Mexico, United States As far east as Nova Scotia, Canada Lifespan 50-100+ years Natural feeding Fish, amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, crustaceans, small mammals, carrion and aquatic plants Natural habitat Slow rivers, swamps, ponds, streams, tributaries, estuaries and wetlands with turbid fresh or brackish water. Do they make good pets? No (experts only) Minimum case dimensions 6 inches per 1 inch case length Temperature 75 – 85 °F (23.8 – 29.4 °C)

What is a snapping turtle?

Snapping turtles are aquatic turtles that live in slow-moving ponds, streams, and lakes. Their preferred natural habitat has dense vegetation and muddy bottom.

Snapping turtles are omnivores, but their diet is primarily focused on protein.

Snapping turtles are ambush predators – they sit and wait for live food to get close enough to CHOMP. Their long necks help them reach prey from afar.

Wild snappers eat fish, smaller wild turtles, small reptiles, aquatic insects and other small animals.

Snapping turtles will also eat carrion (dead animals) if they find it. One thing is for sure: snapping turtles are not good hunters. You are not fast enough.

They are known for their dinosaur-like appearance and snappy personality. On land, adult snapping turtles do not hesitate to bite.

In water, however, they prefer to swim away and avoid confrontation.

Unlike terrestrial box turtles, snappers are so aquatic that they often only come ashore to lay eggs. In the picture below you can see a snapping turtle laying eggs.

Snapping turtle eggs are similar in appearance to other types of turtle eggs. They are round, white and leathery. Emerging juveniles are about two inches long.

Baby Snapping Turtle

Common snapping turtles are named for their extensive range in North America.

In Canada, common snapping turtles are native to:

ontario

Quebec

Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Saskatchewan

New Brunswick

In the United States, common snapping turtles are native to:

Florida

Georgia

South Carolina

North Carolina

Virginia

West Virginia

Maryland

Delaware

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

new York

Massachusetts

Connecticut

Rhode Island

New Hampshire

Vermont

Maine

Ohio

Kentucky

Tennessee

Alabama

Mississippi

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Wisconsin

Iowa

Minnesota

Missouri

Arkansas

Louisiana

Texas

Oklahoma

Kansas

Nebraska

South Dakota

North Dakota

Montana

Wyoming

Colorado

New Mexico

Officials even found and removed them from the following states:

Idaho

Alaska

Oregon

Nevada

Arizona

California

Washington

They are an established invasive species in some of these states. Other states suspect that those captured were escaped or released pets.

The snapping turtle species of Central America and South America are closely related to the common snapping turtle.

As their names suggest, they inhabit the more southern regions of the New World.

Baby snapping turtles hatch in the fall or even winter.

In their northernmost range, newly hatched snapping turtles spend their entire first winter in the nest from which they hatched.

In warmer regions, they immediately make their way to the nearest body of water.

These little snapping turtles are a perfect food source for other wild animals that come across them.

Baby Alligator Snapping Turtle

The alligator snapping turtle has a much more restricted range, limited to:

Texas

Illinois

Florida

Kansas

Missouri

Georgia

Alabama

Kentucky

Arkansas

Louisiana

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Mississippi

Suwannee snapping turtles (Macrochelys suwanniensis) are a newly described species previously believed to be Macrochelys temminckii. They live in the Suwannee River region of Florida.

The Apalachicola snapping turtle (Macrochelys apalachicolae) is a proposed new species living in the Apalachicola River in Florida and Georgia.

Both species are closely related to the alligator snapper and have overlapping ranges.

While they can hatch tiny, baby alligator snapping turtles grow to a gigantic size — longer than 32 inches and they can weigh over 175 pounds!

Baby Freshwater Snapping Turtle

The common snapping turtle and alligator snapping turtle are technically species of freshwater snapping turtles.

In the wild, both species occasionally traverse or inhabit areas of brackish water. They must return to freshwater bodies for rehydration.

In captivity, it is best to avoid salt water altogether. It’s just the wrong environment for these guys.

These water conditions offer no health, appearance or enrichment benefits to your little snapping turtle.

What does a baby snapping turtle look like?

Baby snappers look like miniature versions of their adult counterparts.

At first, it can be difficult to distinguish alligator snapping turtles from common snapping turtles.

All young snapping turtles are dark brown, green, or black.

They have long, pointed tails and fleshy feet with sharp claws.

In alligator snapping turtles, each shield (section) of their carapace has a raised osteoderm, creating three raised, spiny rows.

Their beak (mouth) is hooked. From an early age, the alligator snapping turtle sits in the water with its mouth open.

They have a light-colored, fleshy appendage that they wriggle with to attract prey.

Baby snapping turtles have a less prehistoric appearance. Their beak is rounded rather than hooked.

Their shell is a little rough, but not like that of the alligator snapping turtle. It becomes smoother and rounder as the common snapping turtle grows and matures.

Pictures of baby snapping turtles

It’s hard to describe an animal’s appearance with just words. You may still be wondering, “What does a baby snapping turtle look like?” Look no further than these adorable photos!

Where can you buy baby snapping turtles?

The best source for a pet snapping turtle is a knowledgeable and reputable breeder.

Thankfully, in the age of the internet, reptile breeders are just a click away. Morph Market, Kingsnake.com, and Fauna Classifieds are popular classified reptile websites.

Be sure to check the breeder search forums, Google, and Facebook for positive or negative reviews and experiences.

Ask the breeder any housing questions you might have.

Familiarize yourself with the differences between alligator snapping turtles and common snapping turtles to avoid falling for dodgy salesman tricks.

Wild-caught baby snappers may be sick, parasitized, or just plain stressed. Depending on the species and the location from which they are collected, their local population may be at risk.

Snapping turtles sold at pet stores are sometimes wild-caught. Even when bred in captivity, they are often subjected to constant stress and crowded situations.

What Do Baby Snapping Turtles Eat?

The first question many new snapping turtle owners ask is, “What do baby snapping turtles eat?”

Wild baby snappers are primarily carnivores. As they grow and mature, their diet consists of more and more plant matter.

Fresh hatchlings must fully ingest their yolk sac before becoming interested in food. The yolk sac will hold them for at least a week or two.

Don’t stress if your new little snapping turtle doesn’t seem to want to eat. The transportation and change of scenery is incredibly stressful!

Leave your snapping turtle alone, keep as far away as possible, provide adequate hiding places and make sure your temperatures are correct (see below).

After all, your baby turtle will eat when it is comfortable and hungry. This can take several weeks.

When your little guy finally starts eating, it’s important to offer a wide variety of foods. Feed as many items from the list as possible.

This way you can offer a balanced diet that covers all of your turtle’s nutritional needs.

It’s important to follow this advice, as there are some foods – like strawberries – that your turtle might like but aren’t as nutritious as other options.

dining options

Protein:

snails

cockroaches

grilling

crayfish

beef heart

waxworms

worms

bloodworms

ghost shrimp

butterworms

Small rodents

Frozen shrimp

shrimp pellets

Tubifex worms

Small fish, like guppies and minnows

Steamed and chopped small fish, chicken, shrimp, frog legs, or fish (about the size of your turtle’s mouth)

plant material:

Koi Pellets

leftover fruit

Aquatic turtle food or turtle pellets

Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, spinach, red leaf lettuce, etc.

Avoid:

Wild Insects – Only feed wild insects that you collect from areas that you are SURE have not been treated with fertilizers or pesticides.

– Only feed wild insects that you collect from areas that you are SURE have not been treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Iceberg Lettuce – This vegetable has very little nutritional value.

– This vegetable has hardly any nutritional value. Worms sold as fishing bait – Bait worms are often fed or exposed to toxic substances which can then affect your turtle.

– Baitworms are often fed or exposed to toxic substances which can then affect your turtle. Mealworms and Super Worms – Their tough exoskeletons can cause an impaction

– Their hard exoskeletons can cause impact. Goldfish and Pink Minnows – These forage fish have been linked to vitamin B deficiency.

Crowd

Offer the amount of food that will fit in your baby snapping turtle’s head. Alternatively, you can offer the amount of food the turtle can eat in 10-15 minutes.

frequency

Your baby snapping turtle should eat once or twice a day. The amounts listed above are per day – you can split it into two meals or offer it all in one meal.

Between meals, float a leafy green vegetable to the surface of the water.

Most young snapping turtles are not interested in vegetables, but as long as they are available they will eventually eat them.

Offer koi pellets containing wheat germ once a week. Wheat germ pellets help with the health of your turtle’s shell and shield scaling.

Leave a piece of squid bone in the aquarium. Your snapping turtle might nibble on it for extra calcium. Be sure to remove non-edible fasteners and sharp edges.

techniques

Pincer feeding is the most appealing and valuable way to feed your baby snapping turtle.

It may take a while for your pet to get used to your presence and this technique.

Using the tongs, lower the feed into the water right next to your snapper’s head.

The pincer feeding gives you the opportunity to get a closer look at your turtle and do a visual wellness check. It’s also an excellent opportunity for bonding and positive interactions.

Otherwise, you may drop the food in your turtle’s aquatic terrarium. Commercial pellets and veggies tend to float, while proteins can float or sink.

Live food wiggles and swims – it’s great for encouraging natural hunting behavior.

additions

Dust all feeder insects, boneless meat and low-calcium vegetables with a reptile calcium supplement.

As long as your baby snapper has access to UVB light or natural sunlight, use calcium powder with no added vitamin D3.

Optionally, you can also dust your snapper’s food with a reptile multivitamin powder once a week.

Submerge the turtle food in a small container filled with water and powdered supplement.

The commercially available pellets absorb the water enriched with vitamins. You can then drain them and set them out to dry for future feedings.

Baby Snapping Turtle Habitat and Tank Setup

The boisterous nature and future size of baby snappers make establishing a suitable habitat a tricky ordeal.

Our guide will give you an overview of the basics, but it all boils down to trial and error with your individual pet.

Keep in mind that your adult snapping turtle’s enclosure will need to be large enough to make it better suited to life in a backyard or large, dedicated space.

supply list

Water heaters for aquariums

Test set for aquarium water

aquarium water conditioner

Powerful pond or canister filter

heat lamp and lightbulb

Bask UVB lamp and lightbulb

solar area, d. H. large tree trunk or shelf

A large body that holds water (6″ of floor space per 1″ of shell length) Snug-fitting, locking body lid Avoid small tanks (they won’t last long at all)

Case size and style

Minimum Enclosure Space: 6″ of floor space per 1″ of shell length

For example, a baby snapping turtle with a four inch shell would require an enclosure with at least two square feet of floor space.

Anything of the right dimensions and capable of holding water is a suitable enclosure, including:

aquariums

storage tanks

outdoor pond

Plastic children’s pool

Plastic storage tubs

Preformed pond liners

Baby snapping turtles are excellent climbers. Be sure to purchase or make a tight-fitting, lockable lid.

The water should only be deep enough for your snapping turtle to touch the bottom with its hind legs and still reach the surface when it fully extends its neck.

Unless you start with a GIANT (3′ x 2′ x 1.5′) run, you’ll need to upgrade as your baby Snapper grows.

lighting

Light cycle: 12 hours on/12 hours off

Use a low wattage fluorescent lamp specifically designed to provide reptiles with UVB and adequate lighting.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for lamp placement and replacement frequency.

Most UVB lamps should sit 12-18″ above the sunspot.

Replace the UVB bulbs every six to 12 months. The quality of the UVB output will degrade before the light element goes out.

Remember to turn off the light after 12 hours or install an automatic timer. Excessive artificial daytime hours stress your pet.

heating

Ideal sun temperature during the day: 26.7-29.4°C (80-85°F)

Ideal water temperature: 23.9-25.6°C (75-78°F)

Use a light reflector dome with a halogen bulb for heat supply.

The UVB and heat lamps should cover the same spot in the habitat known as the basking area.

Always operate your heat lamp on a dimmer switch or ideally on a dimming thermostat. Make sure the temperature in the habitat does not rise above 85°F.

If necessary, heat the water with an aquarium water heater. Make sure it comes with built in protection and thermostat.

Without a thermostat, the heater will raise the water temperature too high.

Again, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installing aquarium heaters. Most heaters require a horizontal orientation for the thermostat to work properly.

water quality

Use an aquarium water test kit to test the water quality every week.

Your tiny baby snapping turtle is particularly sensitive to poor aquarium conditions.

Poor water quality and below-average temperatures can eventually lead to respiratory infections and other diseases.

Ideal parameters:

Ammonia: 0ppm

Nitrites: 0 ppm

Nitrates: <40ppm pH: 6.5-7 A high-performance external filter is an absolute must for keeping a snapping turtle's tank clean. Aim for a filter that is two to three times the size of the actual aquarium. Perform water changes when ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates rise too high. Decor and environmental enrichment Snapping turtles are destructive bulldozers. Most experienced keepers advise against using decorations unless you are willing to lose them. A mandatory piece of aquarium furniture is a hiding place for your baby snapping turtle. They prefer to have a place of retreat when they feel threatened (in addition to their tank!). If you want to decorate your snapper's aquarium, babyhood is the best time to do it. With their small size and timid nature, hatchlings tend to be less destructive. Keep an eye on your turtle's behavior and the condition of your decoration. If you notice your turtle chewing on something, it's time to remove it so it doesn't cause an impaction. Some great decorating ideas include: driftwood PVC pipes Fake Plants live forage fish terracotta pots living aquatic plants Aquarium decor, i.e. caves substrate Ideal substrate: Nothing (bare soil) Suitable surfaces: large river rocks, washed play sand Substrate to be avoided: aquarium gravel If you do choose to use river rocks, choose rocks that are at least twice the size of your baby snapper's head. You'll need to upgrade them as your turtle grows unless you start with giant rocks. On the other hand, make sure the rocks aren't so big and heavy that they could crush and kill your adventurous pet or damage your turtle's shell. Aquarium gravel and small pebbles pose a risk for ingestion and subsequent clogging. Impaction is fatal without surgery. Remember that you need to vacuum debris from the substrate at least once a week. An aquarium vacuum removes debris from between large pebbles. You have to stir and mix sand to clean it. After the sand settles, uneaten food and waste remain on top. tankmates Snapping turtles are solitary, predatory creatures. Tiny babies may not hurt each other, but problems are likely to arise at some point. It's not uncommon for baby turtles to attack each other hungry. The moment one baby snapping turtle gets faster and bigger than the other, it has an advantage. We recommend housing your baby snapping turtle alone with no other turtles. In fact, your turtle will likely try to eat other animals in the tank - including fish, amphibians, other reptiles, or snails. Baby snapping turtle care In terms of care, baby snapping turtles are relatively low-maintenance pets. The initial setup of the habitat is the biggest obstacle. Daily maintenance Feed your snapping turtle Clean up leftover food after 15 minutes Turn the lights on in the morning and off at night Manually check the temperature of the water and sunbathing area Weekly maintenance Change 25% of the water Test the water parameters Do a quick physical health check If necessary, vacuum off dirt from the substrate Veterinary care Finding a vet willing to treat exotic pets is difficult. Luckily, the Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarian Association has a Find a Vet tool. Our advice is to consult a reptile friendly veterinarian before you need one. recognize diseases Sick baby snapping turtles may have: Loud breathing Little to no growth Little to no appetite shell anomalies Swelling of the eyelids, ears Wounds, sores or scaling Discharge from mouth or nostrils Tips on handling and bonding baby snapping turtles You Can Handle Your Baby Snapping Turtle, But Should You? Once your baby grows up, you probably won't be able to handle or cuddle it much—if at all. Some captive baby snapping turtles can become accustomed to handling over time. Despite this, they grow into massive beasts with a mighty beak and a dangerous bite. Handling will pose a significant risk in the future. If you must handle your baby snapping turtle, always approach it from behind for the time being. His natural instinct is to snap at anything that moves near his mouth - including your fingers! Pick up the turtle by its shell, as close to its hind legs as possible. With their long necks, they can reach and snap surprisingly far. As a baby, you can put it in your palm once you take it out of the water. Never try to pick up your snapping turtle by its tail! This can seriously injure your pet's spine. Pincer feeding is a great way to bond with your pet baby snapping turtle. Consider training turtle-friendly tricks or offering opportunities for enrichment, such as B. live forage fish. Is a Baby Snapping Turtle Right for YOU? Baby snapping turtles may not be a big problem for most turtle keepers. However, babies grow up eventually. The truth is, baby snappers don't make the best pets unless you're really committed to this species of turtle and their peculiarities. A small tank won't work - you need a huge, special enclosure that can keep other small animals out. Also, can you imagine how much food these 50+ pound beasts consume as adults?! There are many other species of smaller turtles that don't pose as much of a threat — or financial investment. There are also medium-sized turtle and tortoise species that are better suited to captive life. What other species of turtles would you like to meet? Leave a comment and let us know!

CAN A SNAP TURTLE BIT A FINGER?

by Whit Gibbons

June 24, 2018

Q: I’m just as suspicious as others of the nonsense we can find on the internet, so I’m not sure if a recent report I’ve read is true. Word was someone in Louisiana cut open a snapping turtle and found a human finger. Call me suspect on two counts. Can a turtle really bite off a finger? Why would anyone open up a turtle to find out?

A: A turtle biting off someone’s finger is certainly doable. An adult alligator snapping turtle, a freshwater species found in Louisiana, can do that. The part about slicing the turtle open is also believable, especially in Louisiana due to certain wildlife regulations and regional culinary customs.

Alligator snapping turtles are rapidly disappearing from southern rivers and swamps, but remain one of America’s most magnificent reptiles. These giant tortoises are the only US reptile, along with alligators, capable of biting off a human body part. Common snapping turtles, which sometimes reach more than 30 pounds, can bite a person and even leave a memorable scar, but they’re small compared to alligator snappers. One of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, they grow larger than some sea turtles, often weighing in excess of 100 pounds, with documented size records exceeding 200 pounds.

Turtles lack teeth, but the edge of a 100-pound turtle’s mouth makes a formidable biting tool. An alligator snapper can bite off a finger, and I know of three documented cases. One of them is someone I know who only has nine fingers now. Another was a highly publicized incident in Alabama where an alligator snapper became the focus of a cash bet: could someone reach into the turtle’s mouth before it snapped shut? After a few beers, who could resist the temptation to join the Touch the Worm game? The loser now has eight fingers. In the wild, an alligator snapper sits on the river bottom with its mouth open, wiggling its bright red tongue like a worm to attract fish, a behavior not found in any other turtle in the world. If placed on a bar counter, they will also keep their mouths open and bite anything that comes in, including a hand.

Common snapping turtles, found in all eastern and most western states, are often confused with their larger relatives. Many people report seeing alligator snappers when they actually encountered a common snapper, an understandable mistake. Alligator snappers inhabit the Mississippi River drainage and are found in Texas and Louisiana and as far east as Alabama and South Georgia. Their numbers in the wild are now a small percentage of what they once were, due in part to past relentless trapping and the continued loss of suitable wildlife habitat. Even with protection in most states, their numbers are still declining in some areas.

The reason someone in Louisiana might spot a finger in an alligator snapping turtle has to do with regional culture. Collecting an alligator snapping turtle for personal use is legal in the state, and many individuals make their own turtle stew from these large turtles, which were once the main source of Campbell’s Turtle Soup. Louisiana was the last state to control the commercial removal of adult alligator snapping turtles from wild populations, but people are still allowed to capture a turtle for personal use. So the possibility of finding a human body part while cutting up a turtle to clean it for the stew is by no means impossible. Why an unidentified finger ended up inside the turtle leaves room for conjecture, but it doesn’t take much imagination to speculate how a body part might have ended up inside a turtle in the Louisiana bayous.

To answer the original questions, yes, an alligator snapper could bite off a human’s finger, and a turtle connoisseur in Louisiana could potentially find it.

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Large freshwater turtle of the Chelydridae family

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a species of large freshwater turtle in the Chelydridae family. Its natural range extends from southeastern Canada, southwest to the edge of the Rocky Mountains, to Nova Scotia and Florida in the east. The three Chelydra species and the larger alligator snapping turtles (genus Macrochelys) are the only extant chelydrids, a family now confined to America. As the name suggests, the common snapping turtle is the most widespread.[2]

The common snapping turtle is known for its combative disposition when out of water, with its powerful beak-like jaws and highly mobile head and neck (hence the specific epithet serpentina, meaning “snake-like”). In the water, it will likely flee and hide in the sediment underwater. The common snapping turtle has a life history characterized by high and variable embryo and juvenile mortality, delayed sexual maturity, prolonged adult lifespan, and iteroparity (repeated reproductive events) with low reproductive success per reproductive event.[3]

Females and probably males in more northern populations mature later (15–20 years) and larger than in more southern populations (about 12 years). Life expectancy in the wild is poorly known, but long-term data from recapturing markers from Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada, suggest a maximum age of over 100 years.[3]

Anatomy and morphology[edit]

head

skull

North American Herpetology, 1842 Illustration from Holbrook’s, 1842

C. serpentina has a sturdy, muscular build with a ridged carapace (upper shell), although the crests tend to be more prominent in younger individuals. Carapace length in adulthood can be almost 50 cm (20 in), although 25–47 cm (9.8–18.5 in) is more common. C. serpentina typically weighs 4.5–16 kg (9.9–35.3 lb). In one study, farmed snapping turtles were found to have an average carapace length of 28.5 cm (11.2 in), a plastron length of 22.5 cm (8.9 in), and weigh about 6 kg (13 lb).

Males are larger than females, with nearly all being over 10 kg (22 lb), male, and of fairly old age as the species grows throughout its life.[6] Any specimen over the above weights is exceptional, but the heaviest wild specimen caught was reported to have weighed 34 kg (75 lb). Captive snapping turtles can be quite overweight due to overfeeding and have weighed up to 39 kg (86 lb). In the northern part of its range, the snapping turtle is often the heaviest native freshwater turtle.[7]

Hatchlings emerging from the ground

Ecology and life history[edit]

Common habitats are shallow ponds or streams. Some may inhabit brackish environments such as estuaries. These water sources tend to have an abundance of aquatic vegetation due to the shallow basins. Common snapping turtles sometimes – though rarely observed – bask by swimming to the surface with only their shells exposed, although in the northern parts of their range they will also bask readily on fallen logs in spring. In shallow waters, snapping turtles can lie beneath a muddy bottom with only their heads exposed and stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath. Their nostrils are located at the very tip of the snout, effectively acting as a snorkel.[9]

Snapping turtles are omnivores. They are important aquatic scavengers and active hunters, using ambush tactics to prey on anything they can swallow, including many invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles (including snakes and smaller turtles), unwary birds, and small mammals. In some areas, adult snapping turtles can occasionally harm breeding waterfowl, but their effect on prey such as ducklings and goslings is often exaggerated.[9] However, as omnivorous scavengers, they also feed on carrion and a surprising amount of aquatic vegetation.[11]

eggs

Common snapping turtles have few enemies as they age, but eggs are preyed upon by crows, American mink, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. As hatchlings and juveniles, they are attacked by most of the same predators, as well as herons (mostly great blue herons), bitterns, hawks, owls, fishermen, American bullfrogs, large fish, and snakes.[7] There are records of wintering adult snapping turtles being ambushed and preyed on by northern river otters in Canada.[6] Other natural predators that have reportedly preyed on adults include coyotes, American black bears, American alligators, and their larger relatives, alligator snapping turtles.[12] Because of their impressive size and defenses, large, old male snapping turtles face very few natural threats and typically have very low annual mortality rates.[6]

These turtles travel extensively over land to reach new habitats or to lay eggs. Pollution, habitat destruction, food shortages, overcrowding, and other factors drive snappers to move. It is quite common for them to stray far from the nearest water source. Experimental data supports the idea that snapping turtles can sense the Earth’s magnetic field, which could also be used for such movements (along with a variety of other possible orientation cues).[13][14]

This species mates from April to November, with peak laying periods in June and July. The female can hold sperm for several seasons and use it when needed. Females travel overland to find sandy soil to lay their eggs in, often some distance from water. After digging a hole, the female typically lays 25 to 80 eggs each year, guides them into the nest with her hind feet, and covers them with sand for incubation and protection.[15]

The incubation period is temperature dependent and ranges from 9 to 18 weeks. In a study of the snapping turtle’s incubation period, the eggs were incubated at two temperatures: 20 °C (68 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). The research found that the incubation period was significantly shorter at the higher temperature, around 63 days, while it was around 140 days at the lower temperature.[16] In cooler climates, juveniles overwinter in the nest. The common snapping turtle is remarkably cold tolerant; Radiotelemetry studies have shown that some individuals do not hibernate but remain active under the ice during winter.[15]

Recently, snapping turtle hatchlings have been found to make noises before leaving the nest to the surface, a phenomenon also known from species in the South American genus Podocnemis and the Ouachita map turtle. These sounds are most often “clicks” but other sounds are sometimes made, including those that sound like a “creak” or a finger rubbing against a fine-toothed comb.[17][18]

In the northern part of their range, snapping turtles do not breathe for more than six months because ice covers their hibernation site. These turtles can get oxygen by poking their heads out of the mud, allowing gas exchange through the membranes of their mouths and throats. This is called extrapulmonary breathing.[19]

If they don’t get enough oxygen through this method, they begin to use anaerobic pathways, burning sugars and fats without the use of oxygen. The metabolic by-products of this process are acidic and cause very undesirable side effects known as oxygen debt by spring.[19] Although the species was classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, it has been classified as “of very high concern” in the Canadian part of its range due to its life history being sensitive to disturbance from anthropogenic activities.[20]

Systematics and taxonomy [ edit ]

No subspecies of the common snapping turtle are currently recognized.[21] The former Florida subspecies osceola is currently considered a synonym of Serpentina, while the other former subspecies Chelydra rossignonii[22] and Chelydra acutirostris are both recognized as full species.[21][23]

behavior [edit]

In their environment, they are at the top of the food chain, which means that they sometimes feel less fear or aggression. When encountering an unfamiliar species like humans, they will on rare occasions become curious and survey the situation, and even more rarely nudge their nose on a leg of the person standing in the water. Although snapping turtles have ferocious dispositions,[24] when encountered in the water or a swimmer approaches, they will quietly slip away from any disturbance or seek shelter under nearby mud or grass.[25]

Relationship with people[edit]

As food[edit]

Common snapping turtle is a traditional ingredient in turtle soup; However, consumption of large amounts can become a health concern due to the potential concentration of toxic environmental pollutants in the turtle’s flesh.[26]

captivity[ edit ]

The common snapping turtle is not an ideal pet. Its neck is very flexible, and a wild turtle can bite its owner even if picked up by the sides of its shell. The claws are about as sharp as dogs’, but cannot be trimmed like dog claws. Despite this, a snapping turtle cannot use its claws to attack (its legs have no speed or power with “swiping” movements) or to eat (no opposable thumbs), but only as a digging and grasping tool. Veterinary care is best left to a reptile specialist. A wild snapping turtle makes a hissing sound when threatened or encountered, but prefers not to provoke confrontations.[27]

It’s a common misconception that snapping turtles can be safely picked up by the tail without harm to the animal. in fact, this poses a high risk of injury to the turtle, particularly the tail itself and the spine.[28] Lifting the turtle with your hands is difficult and dangerous. Snappers can stretch their necks back over their own carapace and to their hind feet on either side to bite. When they feel stressed, they release a musky smell behind their legs.

It may be tempting to rescue a snapping turtle found on a road by getting it to bite a stick and then pulling it out of immediate danger. However, this action can severely scratch the turtle’s legs and underside, leading to fatal infections in the wounds. The safest way to pick up a common snapping turtle is to grab the shell over the hind legs. There is a large gap above the hind legs that allows for easy grasping of the shell and protects hands from the turtle’s beak and claws. It can also be picked up with a shovel from behind, making sure the shovel is perpendicular to the bottom of the bowl. However, the easiest way is with a blanket or tarp, lifting up the corners with the turtle in the middle.

Snapping turtles are raised on some turtle farms in China.[29]

In politics[edit]

Political cartoon featuring traders trying to avoid the “Ograbme”.

The common snapping turtle was the central feature of a famous American political cartoon. Published in 1808 in protest of the Jeffersonian Embargo Act of 1807, the cartoon showed a snapping turtle, its jaws violently clenched against an American merchant attempting to transport a barrel of goods onto a British ship. The dealer was seen chanting the words “Oh! that cursed Ograbme” (“Embargo” spelled backwards, and also “O, grab me” like the turtle does) whimsically. This play is widely considered to be a pioneering work within the modern political cartoon genre. [citation required]

In 2006, the snapping turtle was declared the state reptile of New York by a vote of the New York Legislature after being chosen by the state’s public elementary school children.

reputation [edit]

The snapping turtle uses its large claws for digging, not attacking – although they can become dangerous if handled by humans

While it is widely rumored that common snapping turtles can bite off human fingers or toes, and their powerful jaws are more than capable of doing so, no proven cases have ever been presented for this species, as they use their overall size and strength to deter would-be predators.[ 31] Common snapping turtles are “fairly docile” underwater animals that prefer to avoid confrontation rather than provoke it.[31]

In 2002, a study conducted in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) registered between 208 and 226 Newtons of force when it came to jaw force. In comparison, the average bite force of a human (molar area) is between 300 and 700 Newtons.[32][33] Another not closely related species known as the alligator snapping turtle is known to bite off fingers, and at least three documented cases are known.[34]

Invasive species[edit]

In recent years, large adult C. serpentina turtles have been collected in Italy from water bodies across the country. They were most likely introduced through the release of unwanted pets. In March 2011, a person weighing 20 kg was captured in a canal near Rome;[35] another person was captured near Rome in September 2012.[36]

In Japan, the species was introduced as an exotic pet in the 1960s; It has been recorded as the source of severe bite injuries [citation needed]. About 1,000 individuals were found in Chiba Prefecture in 2004 and 2005, accounting for the majority of individuals believed to have been introduced.[37]

Conservation[edit]

The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but due to pressure from collection for the pet trade and habitat degradation, it has declined to the point where Canada and several US states have enacted or are proposing stricter conservation measures.[1] In Canada, it is listed as a ‘Special Concern’ under the Species at Risk Act of 2011 and is a target species for projects involving surveys, identification of important habitats, threat assessment and mitigation, and education of the public, including landowners. The agencies involved are ministries, universities, museums and citizen science projects.[38]

Although common snapping turtles are listed as species of least concern, anthropogenic factors can still have major impacts on populations. Decades of road-traffic mortality may result in severe population declines in snapping turtle populations found in urbanized wetlands. A study in southwestern Ontario monitored a population near a busy road and found a loss of 764 individuals in just 17 years. The population declined from 941 individuals in 1985 to 177 individuals in 2002. Road traffic mortality may result in populations of snapping turtles being wiped out. Barrier fences could help reduce population loss.[39]

References[edit]

Further reading[edit]

Large freshwater turtle from the eastern United States

The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large species of turtle in the Chelydridae family. The species is native to freshwater habitats in the United States. M. temminckii is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world.[3] It is the largest freshwater turtle species in North America.[4] It is often associated with the snapping turtle of the genus Chelydra, but is not closely related. The specific epithet temminckii is in honor of the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.[5][6]

Taxonomy [ edit ]

Although it was previously believed that only one species existed in the genus Macrochelys, recent studies have shown that there are two species, the other being the Suwannee snapping turtle (M. suwanniensis) of the Suwannee River [7] [8] A third species , the Apalachicola snapping turtle (M. apalachicolae), has been proposed[9] but is not generally accepted.[7][8][10]

The alligator snapping turtle gets its common name because of its immensely powerful jaws and pronounced ridges on its shell, which resemble the rough, ridged skin of an alligator in appearance. It is also known somewhat less commonly as the “loggerhead sea turtle” (not to be confused with the loggerhead sea turtle or loggerhead sea turtle).

Distribution and habitat[edit]

The alligator snapping turtle is found primarily in freshwater in the southeastern United States. They are found from the Florida Panhandle west to east Texas, north to southeast Kansas, Missouri, southeast Iowa, western Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, Louisiana, and western Tennessee.[ 11] Typically only nesting females venture into open country.

They are generally found only in bodies of water that empty into the Gulf of Mexico and are not typically found in isolated wetlands or ponds. A study conducted found that the tortoises prefer sites with canopies, overhanging trees, shrubs, dead submerged trees, and beaver burrows.[12]

There are non-native established invasive populations of the alligator snapping turtle in South Africa.[13] The average home range for an individual is 750 m. Females will have large home ranges.[14]

Description[edit]

North American Herpetology, 1842 Illustration from Holbrook’s, 1842

The alligator snapping turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head and a long, thick carapace with three dorsal crests of large scales (osteoderms), giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the clad dinosaurs, notably Ankylosaurus. It can be readily distinguished from the common snapping turtle by the three distinct rows of spines and raised plates on the shell, while the common snapping turtle has a smoother shell. M. temminckii is solid grey, brown, black, or olive green and often covered with algae. It has bright yellow patterns around the eyes that serve to break up the outline of the eyes to camouflage the turtle. The eyes are also surrounded by a star-shaped array of fleshy, thread-like “lashes”.

Skeleton of an alligator snapping turtle on display at the Museum of Osteology

Although unverified, a 183 kg alligator snapping turtle was found in Kansas in 1937, [15] but the largest recordable one is disputed. One weighed at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was a 16-year-old giant alligator snapper weighing 113 kg (249 lb) who was sent to the Tennessee Aquarium on a breeding loan in 1999, where he later died. Another weighing 107 kg (236 lb) was housed at the Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago. Another large tortoise reportedly weighed 135 kg (298 lb).[16] The species does not generally grow quite as large. Breeding maturity is reached at about 8 kg (18 lb) when straight carapace length is about 33 cm (13 in), but then the species continues to grow throughout life. With the exception of exceptionally large specimens, adult alligator snapping turtles generally have a carapace length of 35 to 80.8 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in) and weigh 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb). [15] [18] [19] [20 ] Males are typically larger than females.[21] 88 adult alligator snapping turtles weighed an average of 21.05 kg (46.4 lb), 92 averaged 19.72 kg (43.5 lb), and 249 averaged 13.5 kg (30 lb). Usually, very old males include the specimens, which weigh more than 45 kg (99 lb) in most population studies. Among living freshwater turtles, only the little-known giant soft-shelled turtles of the genera Chitra, Rafetus, and Pelochelys, native to Asia, reach comparable sizes.

Alligator snapping turtle using its worm-shaped appendage to attract prey. (Peckham’s mimicry)

Head of a young alligator snapping turtle

Alligator snapping turtle with seaweed carpet

Alligator Snapping Turtle

In mature specimens with a straight carapace length in excess of 30 cm (12 in), males and females can be distinguished by the position of the cloaca from the carapace and by the thickness of the base of the caudal. The cloaca of an adult male extends beyond the carapace rim, that of a female is just at the edge, if not closer, to the plastron. The male’s tail base is also thicker than the female’s due to the hidden reproductive organs.

The inside of the turtle’s mouth is camouflaged and it has a worm-shaped appendage on the tip of its tongue that is used to attract fish, a form of aggressive mimicry.

This turtle must be handled with extreme caution and is considered potentially dangerous.[21] This species can bite through the handle of a broomstick, and rare instances of human fingers being bitten off cleanly by the species have been reported.[23] No human fatalities have been reported from the alligator snapping turtle.[23]

diet [edit]

The alligator snapping turtle is an opportunistic feeder that is almost exclusively carnivorous. It relies on both live food it catches itself and dead organisms it catches. In general, it will eat almost anything it can catch. Fishermen have glorified the species’ ability to capture fish and deplete fish populations, when in fact it largely targets abundant and easy-to-catch prey and rarely has a widespread detrimental effect on fish populations.[24] Its natural diet consists primarily of fish and fish carcasses, molluscs, carrion, and amphibians, but it has also been known to eat snakes, snails and other invertebrates, crawfish, insects,[25] waterfowl, aquatic plants, other turtles, and sometimes even small alligators .[23][24] A study conducted in Louisiana found that 79.8% of the stomach contents of adult alligator snapping turtles are made up of other turtles, although the resistance of carapace and reptilian bone fragments to digestion may have caused these fragments to remain in the digestive tract longer than other items.[22] This species may also occasionally prey on aquatic rodents, including coypu and muskrat, or even snatch small to medium-sized other mammals, including squirrels, mice, possums, raccoons, and armadillos when attempting to swim or near the water’s edge.[23]

The alligator snapping turtle apparently hunts most often at night. But it can also hunt daily. During the day, it may attempt to lure fish and other prey by sitting quietly at the bottom of the murky water, leaving its mouth open to reveal the base of its tongue, which looks like a small, pink-colored worm at the back of its gray mouth. and lure the prey within striking distance.[24] The vermiform tongue mimics the movements of a worm and lures prey into the turtle’s mouth. The mouth is then closed with tremendous speed and force, completing the ambush. Although the turtle does not actively hunt its prey, it can recognize chemosensory cues from prey, like the mud turtle, to select the location where it is most likely to catch food.[26] Small fish such as minnows are often caught this way by younger alligator snapping turtles, while adults eat a larger amount per day and need to forage more actively.[23] Although adult alligator snappers are not a regular food source for them, they have even been known to kill and eat small American alligators.[27]

In captivity, it can consume almost any type of meat, including beef, chicken, rabbit, and pork. It refuses to eat when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Reproduction and lifespan[edit]

Maturity is reached at around 12 years of age.[28] Mating occurs annually in early spring in the southern part of its range and later spring in the northern part. About two months later, the female builds a nest and lays a clutch of 10–50 eggs.[18] The sex of the young depends on the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. This is called temperature-dependent sex determination and is used by all turtle species to determine sex. In the alligator snapping turtle, higher temperatures produce more males in a clutch.[29] Nests are usually dug at least 50 meters from the water’s edge to prevent them from being flooded and drowning. Incubation lasts 100 to 140 days and the hatchlings hatch in early fall.[30]

Although their potential lifespan in the wild is unknown, it is believed that the alligator snapping turtle can live up to 200 years, but 80 to 120 years is more likely.[31] In captivity, it typically lives between 20 and 70 years.[32]

predator[ edit ]

The alligator snapping turtle is most vulnerable to predation before and just after hatching. The eggs can be eaten by birds or mammals. The risk of predation decreases as the tortoise gets larger, so the adult tortoise doesn’t have as many predators.[4]

Humans are also a threat to the alligator snapping turtle.[29]

Under human care[edit]

Proper handling of a 45-pound alligator snapping turtle at the Austin Reptile Service in Austin, Texas

The alligator snapping turtle is sometimes bred in captivity as a pet and is readily available in the exotic animal trade. Because of its potential size and specific needs, it only makes a particularly good pet for the most experienced aquatic turtle keepers.[33]

He prefers a diet of live fish, but will happily feed on other meats or leafy greens if offered. Hand feeding is dangerous. Extreme temperatures are known to affect the turtle’s appetite and would cause the turtle to refuse to eat until the temperature was regulated.

Because of the tortoise’s sheer size, handling adult specimens can pose significant problems. Small turtles can be held relatively safely by the sides of the shell, but large individuals must be held by grasping the turtle’s shell just behind the head and in front of the tail.

Despite their good reputation, the alligator snapping turtle is not usually inclined to bite. However, if provoked, it is quite capable of delivering a powerful bite that can easily amputate fingers or cause other significant injuries such as cuts.[34] Some US states where the alligator snapping turtle does not occur naturally (e.g. California) prohibit residents from keeping them as pets.

Invasive species[edit]

Some alligator snapping turtles have been released or escaped in waters of the Czech Republic, Germany and Hungary. In Bavaria, a turtle injured a child but was not caught.[35] Four tortoises of this species were caught in Bohemia.[36][37] In Hungary, a turtle was caught in the middle of a road near a lake.[38] Some EU countries have strict laws against keeping the alligator snapping turtle illegally because it is an invasive species.[39]

State of conservation[ edit ]

Due to gathering for the exotic pet trade, overharvesting for their meat, and habitat destruction, some states have imposed bans on gathering the alligator snapping turtle from the wild. The IUCN lists it as a threatened species, and on June 14, 2006 it was granted some international protection by being listed as a CITES III species (which will restrict export from the United States and all international trade in this species ). .[41]

The alligator snapping turtle is now endangered in several states, including Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri, where it is protected by state laws.[42][43] It is listed in Kansas as “in need of conservation.”[44]

In October 2013, one was found in Prineville Reservoir, Oregon. It was caught and euthanized by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which considers alligator snapping turtles an invasive species.[45] This was the first one found in the state.

References[edit]

About snapping turtles

Snapping turtles vary significantly in size depending on their age. These turtles can live for decades and grow quite large (up to 30 pounds). While snapping turtles are often thought of as aggressive predators, these turtles are actually omnivores whose diet consists in part of plant matter. Snapping turtles spend most of their time underwater, waiting for their next snack to swim by. They are not aggressive animals, but like any wild animal, they will fight back if they feel threatened.

spot snapping turtles

Snapping turtles are easily identified by their dark carapace (upper shell) with a deeply serrated ridge on the back and a small plastron (undershell) that does not cover all of the animal’s flesh. Three low keels (or ridges) on the shell of younger turtles often become indistinct as the turtle matures. The carapace measures 8 to 12 inches on an average adult, and the turtles can weigh anywhere from 10 to 35 pounds. The carapace can vary in color, from green to brown to black; sometimes it is covered with moss. Snapping turtles have a long tail, often as long or longer than the shell, which is covered in bony plates. They also have a large head, long neck, and a sharp, hooked upper jaw. This hard beak has a rough edge used for tearing food.

Common Reasons We Find Snapping Turtles

Snapping turtles are most commonly encountered during the mating and breeding seasons when they emerge from the water and can travel a significant distance over land. Females can be seen laying eggs in your garden.

Advice on handling and transporting injured snapping turtles

Snapping turtles have powerful jaws and long necks. They can stretch their neck quickly.

Snapping turtles have powerful jaws and long necks. They can stretch their neck quickly. Don’t put your hands near the front half of the turtle.

Do not pick up the turtle by the tail, as you can injure the bones of the tail and back.

If you have an appropriately sized box or container, try gently pushing the turtle into the box from behind. If you have an item like a broom or shovel, you can use it to gently push the turtle into the box.

As you move the turtle across the street, carefully tip the turtle out of the crate across the street.

If you don’t have the turtle or can’t get it in a crate, you can pick the turtle up by the top shell by placing your hands over each BACK leg. However, the claws on the feet are very sharp and can cause deep scratches on hands and arms. Use gloves if you have them. If you don’t have gloves, you can drape a towel, sweatshirt, or jacket over the back end of the turtle before plucking it and protect your hands from the claws.

transport

If the snapping turtle is injured and you cannot transport it to Tufts Wildlife Clinic immediately, or if the clinic is not open, keep the turtle in a warm, quiet place in the tightly sealed container with appropriate breathing holes until you bring it to your senses can the clinic.

Transport the turtle to one of the following locations:

Tufts Wildlife Clinic during clinic hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm and Sat, Sun and Holidays 9am-5pm.

A wildlife rehabilitator (find a rehabilitator near you)

Toronto Zoo video showing how to help a snapping turtle cross the road

So in the water the turtles will avoid you and on land you just have to give snapping turtles some space to avoid conflict, but what if you find a snapping turtle crossing the road and want to help it? Please do so, but keep safety in mind and don’t risk being hit by a car when trying to rescue a turtle. If you can do this safely, small snapping turtles and other species can usually be easily picked up and moved to the side of the road they were headed for, but please do not move them to a new location (visit this post on turtles on roads for More info). Remember that all turtles can bite, not just snappers, so keep your hands toward the back of the shell. In the case of snapping turtles, picking them up can be a challenge, especially if the turtle is large. Keep their heads away from you and remember that their long necks can extend a little over the top of their shell, so keep your hands on the back end of the turtle and watch out for its hind feet, which might try to scratch you and to push hands away. If they are too big to lift, you can grab the back of the shell and gently pull them off the road in the direction they were going. This video is an excellent resource for learning how to move large snapping turtles across roads:

CAN A SNAP TURTLE BIT A FINGER?

by Whit Gibbons

June 24, 2018

Q: I’m just as suspicious as others of the nonsense we can find on the internet, so I’m not sure if a recent report I’ve read is true. Word was someone in Louisiana cut open a snapping turtle and found a human finger. Call me suspect on two counts. Can a turtle really bite off a finger? Why would anyone open up a turtle to find out?

A: A turtle biting off someone’s finger is certainly doable. An adult alligator snapping turtle, a freshwater species found in Louisiana, can do that. The part about slicing the turtle open is also believable, especially in Louisiana due to certain wildlife regulations and regional culinary customs.

Alligator snapping turtles are rapidly disappearing from southern rivers and swamps, but remain one of America’s most magnificent reptiles. These giant tortoises are the only US reptile, along with alligators, capable of biting off a human body part. Common snapping turtles, which sometimes reach more than 30 pounds, can bite a person and even leave a memorable scar, but they’re small compared to alligator snappers. One of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, they grow larger than some sea turtles, often weighing in excess of 100 pounds, with documented size records exceeding 200 pounds.

Turtles lack teeth, but the edge of a 100-pound turtle’s mouth makes a formidable biting tool. An alligator snapper can bite off a finger, and I know of three documented cases. One of them is someone I know who only has nine fingers now. Another was a highly publicized incident in Alabama where an alligator snapper became the focus of a cash bet: could someone reach into the turtle’s mouth before it snapped shut? After a few beers, who could resist the temptation to join the Touch the Worm game? The loser now has eight fingers. In the wild, an alligator snapper sits on the river bottom with its mouth open, wiggling its bright red tongue like a worm to attract fish, a behavior not found in any other turtle in the world. If placed on a bar counter, they will also keep their mouths open and bite anything that comes in, including a hand.

Common snapping turtles, found in all eastern and most western states, are often confused with their larger relatives. Many people report seeing alligator snappers when they actually encountered a common snapper, an understandable mistake. Alligator snappers inhabit the Mississippi River drainage and are found in Texas and Louisiana and as far east as Alabama and South Georgia. Their numbers in the wild are now a small percentage of what they once were, due in part to past relentless trapping and the continued loss of suitable wildlife habitat. Even with protection in most states, their numbers are still declining in some areas.

The reason someone in Louisiana might spot a finger in an alligator snapping turtle has to do with regional culture. Collecting an alligator snapping turtle for personal use is legal in the state, and many individuals make their own turtle stew from these large turtles, which were once the main source of Campbell’s Turtle Soup. Louisiana was the last state to control the commercial removal of adult alligator snapping turtles from wild populations, but people are still allowed to capture a turtle for personal use. So the possibility of finding a human body part while cutting up a turtle to clean it for the stew is by no means impossible. Why an unidentified finger ended up inside the turtle leaves room for conjecture, but it doesn’t take much imagination to speculate how a body part might have ended up inside a turtle in the Louisiana bayous.

To answer the original questions, yes, an alligator snapper could bite off a human’s finger, and a turtle connoisseur in Louisiana could potentially find it.

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Chelydra serpentina

How do you look? Like all turtles, snapping turtles have a carapace covering their backs, also called carapace. In snapping turtles, the carapace is typically between 8 and 18 1/2 inches long. Shell color ranges from dark brown to brown and can even be black. As a snapping turtle grows, the shell often becomes covered with mud and algae. The tail has sharp ridges running along its length and is nearly as long as the carapace. Their necks, legs and tails are yellowish in color and the head is dark. A snapping turtle’s mouth is shaped like a strong, bony beak with no teeth. Their skin is rough with characteristic bumps called tubercles on their neck and legs. The feet are webbed and have strong claws. Turtles have another hard plate covering the stomach; This is called a plastron. A snapping turtle’s plastron is small, leaving much of its body exposed. This means they cannot tuck their heads and legs into their shell for protection from predators like most other turtles. Snapping turtles make up for this lack of body armor with an aggressive temperament. Other physical characteristics

ectothermic

bilateral symmetry range mass 4.0 to 16.0 kg 8.81 to 35.24 lb

Range length 20.0 to 45.0 cm 7.87 to 17.72 in

Where do you live? Snapping turtles are native to the Nearctic. Their range extends from southern Alberta and east to Nova Scotia in Canada, and extends south to the Gulf of Mexico and into central Texas. Biogeographic Regions

Nearctic native

What habitat do they need? Snapping turtles only live in fresh or brackish water. They prefer water with muddy bottom and lots of vegetation to make hiding easier. Snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water, but will also come ashore to lay their eggs in sandy soil. These animals are found in the following types of habitats

moderate

Freshwater Aquatic Biomes

lakes and ponds

Rivers and streams wetlands

swamp

swamp

how long do they live In the wild, snapping turtles are estimated to live up to 30 years. Snapping turtles are most vulnerable as juveniles. Once they reach a certain size, snapping turtles have few natural predators, although they are often hit by cars when looking for new ponds or nesting sites. In captivity, they can live up to 47 years. Average lifespan

Status: wild 30 years

range life

Status: captivity 47 (high) years

Average lifespan

Status: Captivity 17.8 years Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research

How do they behave? Snapping turtles are solitary, meaning they live alone. Although many tortoises can be found within a small area, their social interactions are limited to aggression between individuals, usually males. The number of turtles living in the same area depends on the amount of food available. Snapping turtles can be very vicious when taken out of the water, but they become docile once put back in the water. Snapping turtles like to burrow in the mud with only their nostrils and eyes exposed. This burial is used to surprise prey. Snapping turtles have a small growth on the end of their tongue that looks like a wriggling worm. To catch fish, the snapping turtle opens its mouth to reveal the “worm”. When a fish comes to the worm, the snapping turtle grabs it with its strong jaws. key behavior

Every day

movable

lonely

territorial

How do they communicate with each other? Snapping turtles communicate with pairs through leg movements while the turtles face each other. Snapping turtles also use their senses of smell, sight, and touch to identify prey. You can feel vibrations in the water. communication channels

visually

tactile

chemical channels of perception

visually

tactile

vibrations

chemical

What are you eating? Snapping turtles will eat almost anything their jaws can reach. They feed on dead animals, insects, fish, birds, small mammals, amphibians and a surprising amount of aquatic plants. Snapping turtles kill other turtles by biting off their heads. This behavior can be to protect their territory from other turtles, or it can be a very inefficient feeding behavior. Primary Nutrition

Omnivore animal food

mammals

amphibians

reptiles

eggs

carrion

insects

Mollusks Plant Food

leaves

algae

Are they causing problems? Snapping turtles eat the young of some fish that humans love to catch, but snapping turtles don’t eat enough to have a major impact on fish populations. Snapping turtles have been known to kill young and adult ducks and geese, but again the impact is minor. Possibilities that these animals could pose a problem for humans

hurts people bites or stings

How do they interact with us? Snapping turtles are used by many people in turtle stews and soups. Snapping turtle shells were used in many ceremonies among Native Americans. The shells were dried and mounted on handles with corn kernels inside to use as rattles. How humans benefit from these animals:

Food

Contributors Adam T. Bosch (Author), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

The smartest reptiles are actually quite different! They have lizards, turtles and snakes all represented on the list.

This list of the smartest reptiles will take your herpetology education to the next level and give you an extra sense of appreciation for these animals.

1. Monitors

Monitor lizards are considered by many in the zoological world to be one of the most intelligent reptiles on the planet. You are also one of the most intimidating!

The most famous species is the Komodo dragon. It reaches lengths of over ten feet! Smaller monitors are only about a foot long. Regardless of their size, monitor lizards show impressive feats of intelligence.

A study at the San Diego Zoo found that monitors can count a small collection of items. The experiment conditioned snails to expect a certain number of snails in a chamber. When there were fewer snails than usual, they kept looking for the rest!

The unique experiment revealed that monitor lizards could count up to six objects, which is impressive for any reptile.

Other feats of intelligence include the ability to recognize keepers and possessors, and to target objects. These skills come in handy when kept in captivity. Zoos often employ a team of dedicated attendants who can recognize the monitors and be comfortable in their surroundings.

Then they use the target behavior to distract the monitors while undergoing health observation and treatment.

Some monitor lizards also show their intelligence when trying to get to hard-to-reach food. These intelligent reptiles can learn to use their forearms when extracting insects from logs and other tight spaces.

These clever lizards are also fascinating to look at. They are native to the region of Oceania, Asia and Africa. However, many herpetology lovers around the world also keep them as pets.

2. Giant tortoises

Don’t let their slow speed fool you. Many Chelonians are very intelligent reptilians. From the majestic sea turtle to lowly pond sliders, these reptiles have a lot more on their minds than they let on.

Giant tortoises are perhaps the most intelligent reptiles of the group. The gentle giants hail from the Galapagos Islands. There these turtles were famously studied by Charles Darwin.

There are several species of giant tortoises. The largest can tip the scales at 700 pounds and live to be over 100 years old. But that’s not the most impressive thing about them.

In Jerusalem and Vienna, the cognitive abilities of these turtles were tested in two separate studies. Methodically, they were practically identical. The main difference was that one study included a group of giant tortoises, while the other included individuals.

In these experiments, handlers taught Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises to bite colored balls. The turtles eventually learned to distinguish between three different colors and bite the correct option each time.

Even more fascinating, the turtles remembered these abilities for a long time. A full nine years later, they faced the same challenge and still knew how to bite the right ball!

Not only are giant tortoises very clever reptiles, but they apparently retain experiences for years. Interestingly, the turtles trained in groups learned the skills faster than those trained individually. As a result, turtles may also possess collaborative learning abilities.

3. King Cobra

The king cobra is a large venomous snake native to tropical areas in Africa and southern parts of Asia. Instantly recognizable thanks to their foreboding hood, king cobras truly belong among the royalty in the reptilian kingdom. Not only are they incredibly dangerous, but they have the intelligence to be an apex predator.

From looks alone, king cobras are a sight to behold. Adults have smooth, dark scales streaked with white or yellow. The head and hood are usually yellow, which creates a beautiful contrast.

Despite this snake’s beauty, consider yourself lucky if you never encounter a king cobra in real life! These snakes have hollow fangs to inject venom into prey. The neurotoxins they release in a single bite are enough to kill 20 adults or a full-grown elephant!

What makes king cobra snakes even scarier is how meticulous and cunning they are when it comes to taking down prey. Most species respond to sounds or strike out of purely reactionary instincts. That is not the case with this snake.

King cobras take a second to determine the best course of action. They study their prey and find the best place to inject their venom. The Reptile is all about efficiency.

Other signs of intelligence include their ability to climb trees and swim through water. In captivity, these snakes have also shown signs of recognizing common handlers.

4. Snapping Turtle

Earlier we talked about how intelligent the greatest Chelonians were. However, the common snapping turtle is also quite sharp.

Snapping turtles are a common reptile native to North America. They are widespread and can live in a variety of environments.

The turtle’s adaptability is believed to be a by-product of their great cognitive abilities. These reptiles can live in dry areas, wet swamps, and anywhere in between. Regardless of where they live, snapping turtles have a knack for getting to safety and doing their duty.

Another exciting proof of their intelligence is how determined they are to escape captivity! From small turtle tables to large pond enclosures, these reptiles are working tooth and claw to try to escape. Zookeepers often see them climbing high points or digging through mud to exploit any weak spot.

The fact that snapping turtles also learn to recognize their food containers is further proof that they are among the smartest reptiles out there. You can identify them by sight. Not only that, these reptiles can detect the sound of food being poured into the containers even when they can’t see it.

These behaviors may seem simple enough, but most reptiles don’t exhibit this level of familiarity.

When a domesticated turtle is eventually released back into the wild, it almost always goes straight to the nearest body of water. No matter how far away it is, snapping turtles will steer in that direction.

5. Frilled Lizard

Popularized by movies and cartoons, the frill-necked lizard has a very distinct appearance. It is also known as the frilled dragon and frilled agama. Whatever you call it, these lizards are easy to identify thanks to a section of thin skin that folds over the shoulder.

At first glance, you probably wouldn’t notice the ruffle. These sly lizards are quite difficult to spot in the wild due to their impressive camouflage. They are also arboreal and spend a lot of time in trees.

Their bodies are usually brown or gray, which allows them to blend in easily with the branches they climb.

When you disturb or threaten the lizard, its intelligence and ferocity come into their own!

The ruffle opens and pops up to create an almost dinosaur-like look. It stretches around the neck like a collar. Since the extra skin is usually lighter than the rest of the body, it’s noticeable!

This unique defense mechanism helps make the lizard appear larger, which tends to scare off most animals.

When the disturbance isn’t fleeing in fear, Frillnecked Lizards go one step further! They stand on their hind legs like a human and run away. Sometimes they attack other would-be predators directly!

Frillnecked lizards are anything but slow. They can reach top speeds of almost 30 miles per hour! The lizard’s ability to intimidate is a clear sign of intelligence and strategy.

6. Emerald Anole

Last but not least we have the Emerald Anole. Also known as green anoles, these small lizards are native to North, Central, and South America. They tend to reside in tropical and humid areas.

Along with other species of anoles, emeralds are prized pets in many parts of the world. But they are also widespread in the wild. If you happen to live in the southern United States, chances are you’ll find a few in your backyard!

It’s no secret why herpetology enthusiasts love to grow emeraldanols. They are a small species, only a few centimeters tall. The skin is bright green and conspicuous.

Emerald anole also has a brightly colored dewlap. Usually pink or white, the anole elongates the skin flap when mating or showing signs of aggression. It’s a form of simple communication, conveying emotions between species and sending warnings to other animals.

These small pet lizards display cognitive abilities on par with those of birds and mammals. A study at Duke University tested the ability of emeraldols to find insect larvae.

The larvae were hidden under plastic discs. Despite the obstacle, the anoles were able to find the food!

Another sign that they are among the smartest reptiles is their penchant for avoiding harm. Emerald anoles don’t like being touched! They will go to extremes to wriggle out of your hand or a predator’s mouth.

The lizard strategically drops its tail to avoid damage. While the tail will never go back to normal, Emerald Anoles can regrow it and keep using it to avoid damage.

Common Snapping Turtle

Chelydra s. serpentine

Description: Snapping turtles are common in Connecticut. Their ability to adapt to people and the changing landscape of the state has made them evolutionarily successful. Snapping turtles can even be found in polluted water bodies and urban wetlands, although populations in these habitats may not be robust.

Range: Snapping turtles are found in the eastern United States to the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as Central America. They have been introduced in some western states.

Description: Connecticut’s largest freshwater turtle is easily identified by its dark shell (upper shell) with a deeply serrated dorsal edge and a small plastron (undershell) that does not cover all of the animal’s flesh. Three low keels (or ridges) on the shell of younger turtles often become indistinct as the turtle matures. The carapace measures 8 to 12 inches on an average adult, and the turtles can weigh anywhere from 10 to 35 pounds. The carapace can vary in color, from green to brown to black; sometimes it is covered with moss. Snapping turtles have a long tail, often as long or longer than the shell, which is covered in bony plates. They also have a large head, long neck, and a sharp, hooked upper jaw. This hard beak has a rough edge used for tearing food.

Habitat and Diet: Snapping turtles live almost exclusively in the water and can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, preferably with slow-moving water and a soft, muddy or sandy bottom. They inhabit almost any permanent or semi-permanent body of water, including swamps, streams, marshes, bogs, pools, lakes, streams, rivers and impoundments. Snapping turtles tolerate brackish water (mixture of seawater and freshwater).

Being omnivores, snapping turtles feed on plants, insects, spiders, worms, fish, frogs, small turtles, snakes, birds, crabs, small mammals, and carrion. Plant matter makes up about a third of the diet. Young turtles search for food, but older turtles often hang motionless in the water and ambush their prey, lunging head-forward at high speed and powerful jaws to grab the prey.

Life History: Sexual maturity has more to do with size than age. Turtles are ready to mate when their shell measures about 8 inches. The breeding season is April to November, with most breeding in southern New England occurring from late May to June. Snapping turtles rarely leave their aquatic habitat except during the breeding season, when females travel great distances to find a place to dig a nest and lay eggs. Some turtles have been found up to a mile from the nearest water source. Selected nest sites include benches, lawns, gardens, roadside embankments, and sometimes muskrat dens.

A clutch is laid in May or June. With powerful hind legs, the female digs a shallow, bowl-shaped nest in a well-drained, sunny site. She lays about 20 to 40 creamy white, table tennis ball sized eggs over a period of several hours. After covering the eggs, the female returns to the water, leaving the eggs and hatchlings to fend for themselves. Turtle nests are often preyed upon by raccoons, skunks and crows. Up to 90% of nests are destroyed by predators each year.

Snapping turtles have temperature dependent sex determination. Eggs kept at 68°F will only produce females; Eggs maintained at 70-72°F will produce both male and female turtles; and those incubated at 73-75°F produce only males.

Hatching takes about 80 to 90 days, but the hatching date may vary depending on temperature and other environmental conditions. Generally, juveniles hatch from their leathery egg from August to October by breaking open the shell with a small egg tooth. When the young hatch, they dig out of the nest and instinctively go to the water. Hatchlings are about an inch long with soft shells and they must make it into the water without being chased by raccoons, skunks, foxes, dogs, birds and snakes. When they reach the water, the young turtles can be caught by fish and other snapping turtles. Once the turtles have grown and their shells have hardened, they are virtually predator-free.

Fun Facts: Snapping turtles are nocturnal and spend most of their time underwater, lying on the bottom of the body of water. Their dark skin and moss-covered shell allow the turtles to lie in wait and ambush their prey. Normally docile in the water, snapping turtles can be aggressive during the breeding season when traveling overland. This is usually when most people encounter snapping turtles. If you find a snapping turtle in your yard, treat it with the respect it deserves. Snapping turtles have powerful, sharp jaws. Keep children and pets away from the turtle until it has laid its eggs and left the area.

Countless tortoises are killed or injured on roads during their land migrations. The presence of a large tortoise on a busy road can pose a safety hazard to motorists. By driving defensively and paying attention to road conditions, motorists should be able to avoid hitting a turtle.

Snapping turtles should never be picked up by the tail as this can damage the animal’s spine and tail, not to mention the human being at risk of being bitten. Because snapping turtles can be slimy and heavy, the Wildlife Division does not recommend anyone picking them up manually.

Unlike most other turtles, snapping turtles rarely bask on land, but do so on the surface of the water. They survive Connecticut winters by hibernating when temperatures drop below 41°F. They burrow into mud and leaf debris in shallow water or under tree trunks and overhanging banks. After emerging from hibernation, tortoises begin feeding and looking for mates.

Snapping turtles generally become sexually mature at 8 to 10 years and can live up to 40 years or more. They typically occupy home ranges of 4 to 22 hectares, depending on the size of the wetland. Snapping turtles rarely leave their aquatic habitat except during the breeding season or to reach a new habitat to avoid overcrowding, pollution and habitat destruction/drying out.

The DEEP Wildlife Division does not keep a record of the state’s largest or heaviest snapping turtles, as the agency recommends that these turtles not be touched.

In many areas of the United States and other parts of the world, people enjoy snapping turtle meat in soups and stews. However, these turtles can potentially accumulate environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals such as PCBs in their flesh and pose a health risk if consumed in large quantities.

Snapping turtles can be harvested in Connecticut. Regulations passed in 2013 and updated in 2016 established specific conservation measures for snapping turtles by establishing seasons, size/pocket restrictions, equipment restrictions, and other measures to ensure the long-term viability of Connecticut’s turtle populations. Turtle eggs may not be removed and turtle nests may not be disturbed without permission from DEEP. In 2018, the commercial trade in snapping turtles was banned.

Dealing with Problems: In Connecticut and elsewhere, snapping turtles have a reputation for decimating wild fish and waterbird populations. However, scientific research shows that this is rarely the case. A 1940s study in Connecticut found that not only fish but also aquatic plants and crustaceans were the dominant foods. Other studies have also shown that snapping turtles eat insignificant amounts of wild fish and that mammalian nest predators and large fish kill far more waterfowl than snapping turtles. In natural situations, snapping turtles do not have a significant impact on fish or waterbird populations.

Snapping turtles can wreak havoc in private ponds, fish farms, or waterfowl sanctuaries, and control methods may be warranted. Private pond owners can capture turtles and relocate them to nearby bodies of water with the owner’s permission. Turtles may not be removed from public waters without permission from DEEP and the appropriate government agency. Contact the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for assistance.

Content last updated on June 16, 2020.