Snapping turtles are common freshwater reptiles. Distinguishing them from other turtle species is important for human safety and their well-being. This guide outlines how to identify snapping turtles by their physical traits and behaviors.
Key Physical Features
Snapping turtles have a distinct appearance. Their upper shell, the carapace, is rugged with ridges or keels. Its color ranges from tan to brown or black, often appearing camouflaged with mud or algae. A defining feature is the serrated or saw-toothed rear edge of their carapace.
The plastron, or bottom shell, is small and cross-shaped, leaving much of the turtle’s legs and body exposed. This limited shell coverage means they cannot fully retract their head and limbs for protection, unlike many other turtle species. Snapping turtles also have a large, triangular head with a powerful, hooked, beak-like jaw that lacks teeth. Their neck is long and flexible, allowing considerable reach.
Their tail is thick and often as long as or longer than their carapace. It is covered with bony plates or saw-toothed keels. Their strong, webbed feet are equipped with sharp claws, and their skin on the neck and legs has bumps known as tubercles. Adult common snapping turtles measure 8 to 18.5 inches (20-47 cm) in carapace length and weigh between 9.9 and 35.3 pounds (4.5-16 kg).
Behavioral Indicators
Snapping turtles display specific behaviors, particularly when encountered outside of water. On land, they display a defensive posture, including hissing, lunging, or snapping. This behavior stems from their vulnerability when out of water, as they cannot fully withdraw into their shells. While they may appear aggressive, this is a protective response to feeling threatened.
When approached on land, snapping turtles stand their ground or retreat slowly rather than fleeing quickly. They are not prone to chasing animals or people. In contrast, snapping turtles are more docile and less aggressive in water, preferring to flee and hide in sediment if disturbed. They may occasionally approach out of curiosity, but swim away from larger creatures.
Unlike many other turtle species, snapping turtles rarely bask on logs or rocks fully out of the water. Instead, they regulate their body temperature by floating just below the water’s surface or by resting on the bottom with only their head exposed. Their powerful, beak-like jaws can deliver a painful bite.
Differentiating from Other Turtles
Distinguishing snapping turtles from other freshwater turtles requires observing differences in their physical characteristics and habits. Confusion arises with species like painted turtles. Painted turtles are significantly smaller, ranging from 3 to 7 inches in shell length. Their shells are smooth and oval, adorned with vibrant red or yellow markings on the edges.
Painted turtles possess a large plastron that allows them to fully retract their head and limbs. They also have smaller heads and less prominent jaws. Painted turtles are frequent baskers, seen sunning themselves on logs or rocks.
In contrast, the snapping turtle’s small plastron, which leaves much of its body exposed, is a primary differentiator from most other pond turtles that can fully retreat into their shells. The snapping turtle’s long, thick, and keeled tail differs from the shorter, smoother tails of many other species. While some other turtles may have rough or ridged shells, the snapping turtle’s combination of a serrated rear shell edge, small plastron, large head, and long, armored tail provides sufficient indicators for identification.
Safe Encounter Practices
When encountering a snapping turtle, especially on land, maintain a safe distance. These wild animals should never be approached closely or handled, as their defensive behaviors can result in a painful bite. Avoid attempting to poke, prod, or provoke a snapping turtle to prevent injury to both the person and the turtle.
If a snapping turtle is found on a road, caution is necessary. Avoid picking the turtle up by its tail, as this can cause severe spinal injury. For smaller turtles, gently guide them from behind using a car mat or a long object like a broom or board. If direct handling is necessary for larger individuals, do so from the rear, holding the turtle by the back of its shell to avoid its long neck and powerful jaws.
Always guide the turtle in the direction it was already heading. If uncomfortable or unable to safely move the turtle, contact local animal control or wildlife authorities.