Common Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Safety note: Bites if handled — do not pick up

The Common Snapping Turtle is a large, aggressive freshwater turtle found throughout eastern North America. Its powerful hooked jaw can inflict serious bites. It rarely basks and spends most of its life submerged.

Habitat

Ponds, lakes, streams, and slow-moving rivers with muddy bottoms

Diet

Aquatic plants, fish, frogs, invertebrates, and carrion

How common

Common

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