Common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are large freshwater reptiles recognized by their distinctive appearance, including a rugged shell, powerful jaws, and a long, serrated tail. These creatures are frequently observed moving across various landscapes, leading to public curiosity about the reasons and distances behind their journeys. While they spend most of their time in aquatic environments, their terrestrial excursions are a notable aspect of their natural behavior.
Why Snapping Turtles Move
Snapping turtles move for various biological reasons. Females embark on extensive journeys to locate suitable nesting sites, typically from late May through July. These sites are often characterized by sandy or loose soil and exposure to sunlight.
Seasonal migrations also prompt movement, as turtles seek different locations for overwintering. They also move to forage for food or find new habitats due to environmental pressures like pollution, food scarcity, or overcrowding. Mating behaviors, which occur from April through November, contribute to their periodic movements across land and water.
How Far They Typically Travel
While often perceived as sedentary, snapping turtles are capable of considerable journeys. Females, in particular, travel extensively for nesting, with reported distances reaching up to 10 miles (16 km) from their primary water bodies. Nests have been discovered as far as 800 meters from the nearest water source.
Snapping turtles can move over land, navigating challenging terrains such as dense forests. Studies have documented movements up to 3.9 km between August and late September as they return to overwintering areas. The mean travel speed for migrating individuals can reach approximately 1 mile (1.7 km) per day, and some have covered between 2.1 to 8.6 miles (3.4 to 13.8 km) over a 10-day period. Their home ranges vary considerably, from small areas of 3.2 square meters to larger expanses of 8.9 hectares, with females generally exhibiting greater mobility than males.
What Influences Their Journeys
Several environmental and biological factors influence a snapping turtle’s travels. Habitat quality plays a significant role; pollution, habitat destruction, and overcrowding can compel turtles to seek new environments. The availability of appropriate nesting sites is a primary driver for female movement, as they require well-drained, sunny locations with loose soil for laying eggs.
Food availability also influences their movements, with scarcity prompting a search for new foraging grounds. Unstable water levels in their aquatic habitats can force turtles to shift their home ranges. Age and sex are also determining factors; younger males may disperse to establish their own territories. Movements are often seasonal, with overwintering movements in late summer or fall. Some research suggests snapping turtles may utilize the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation, aiding their directed journeys.
What to Do When You See a Traveling Turtle
Encountering a snapping turtle on the move, particularly on roads, requires a cautious approach. Prioritize your safety and be aware of surrounding traffic before attempting any assistance. It is important to move the turtle in the direction it was already heading, never turning it around or relocating it to a different area, as this can disorient the animal.
When handling a snapping turtle, extreme caution is necessary due to their long necks and powerful jaws. Never pick a turtle up by its tail, as this can cause severe spinal damage. For smaller turtles, a safe method involves grasping the shell by the middle sides. For larger snapping turtles, using a car mat, shovel, or gently prodding them from behind can guide them across the road. If a turtle appears injured or distressed, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed rehabilitator for appropriate intervention.