Common Snapping Turtle

turtles · freshwater · North America · powerful jaws

Massive freshwater hunter. The common snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America, living in rivers, lakes, and swamps from southeastern Canada all the way down to Florida and beyond.

Legendary snapping jaw. This turtle has a powerful bite and a long, flexible neck that it uses to snap at prey and defend itself, which is exactly where it gets its memorable name.

Spread across a continent. The common snapping turtle is the most widespread member of its family, the Chelydridae, and is found across more territory than any of its relatives in North and South America.

Ancient American residents. Scientists believe common snapping turtles have lived in North America for hundreds of years, with evidence showing they were present in the Rio Grande area since at least the 1600s.

Elite turtle family. Only a few chelydrid species exist today, and the common snapping turtle shares its family with just a handful of other species, including the giant alligator snapping turtle.