The baby common snapping turtle, often called a hatchling, is a miniature version of one of North America’s largest freshwater turtles, yet its appearance is distinct from the adult. Many people encounter these small reptiles in late summer and fall as they emerge from their nests near water sources. Recognizing a hatchling snapping turtle requires knowledge of specific visual cues, since they look quite different from most other small turtle species.
Size and Overall Appearance
A newly emerged snapping turtle hatchling measures only about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in carapace length, comparable to a large coin or a bottle cap. This small size makes them easily overlooked in the leaf litter near a pond or stream. Their initial coloration is very dark, ranging from black to dark gray or deep olive-brown. The shell, or carapace, is smooth and slightly pliable, lacking the hardened, rough texture of a mature shell. They possess a small, cross-shaped lower shell, known as the plastron, which leaves much of their body exposed and prevents them from fully retracting their head and limbs for protection.
Unique Juvenile Features
The most defining feature of a hatchling’s shell is the presence of three distinct longitudinal ridges, or keels, running across the carapace. These keels are pronounced and give the young turtle a rough, almost serrated look characteristic of the species at this age. Another striking feature is the disproportionately large size of the head and the length of the tail relative to the body. The head is broad with a powerful, hooked beak. The tail can be nearly as long as the entire shell, often featuring a row of saw-edged scales along its upper side. These exaggerated features contribute to their prehistoric appearance.
Comparing Baby Snappers to Adults
The visual difference between a baby and an adult snapping turtle is due to changes in shell texture and body proportions. As the turtle matures, the three prominent keels on the carapace gradually wear down and smooth out, leading to the flatter, rougher shell characteristic of a large adult. While the color starts dark, the adult shell often becomes duller, frequently covered in mud or algae, which serves as camouflage in their aquatic habitat. The disproportionate size of the hatchling’s head and tail becomes less noticeable as the rest of the body grows larger. An adult common snapping turtle can reach a shell length of 8 to 18 inches, a substantial increase from the initial 1.5-inch hatchling.
Safe Handling and Observation
When encountering a baby snapping turtle, the safest approach is to observe it from a distance, allowing it to continue its journey to the water undisturbed. While hatchlings are less defensive than large adults, they still possess the instinct to snap and should not be handled casually. If a hatchling is found in a dangerous location, such as crossing a road, intervention should be done with care to avoid injury. The safest method for moving a turtle is to gently guide it with a long object, like a stick or piece of wood, in the direction it was traveling. Never lift any snapping turtle by its tail, as this can cause serious spinal or internal injuries.