Snapping turtles, with their ancient appearance and powerful jaws, are a recognizable part of many freshwater ecosystems. They are large freshwater turtles, noted for their robust build, including a thick shell, scaled legs, and an alligator-like tail. Their range extends across a significant portion of North America, from southeastern Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico. These turtles inhabit shallow ponds, streams, and other permanent bodies of water, often preferring muddy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation for concealment.
Predators of Snapping Turtle Eggs
Snapping turtle eggs represent a highly vulnerable stage in their life cycle, facing numerous predators. Female snapping turtles lay their eggs in nests dug on land, often some distance from water, and do not protect them afterward. This leaves the eggs exposed to animals adept at locating and consuming them.
Common predators of snapping turtle eggs include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and opossums. These mammals often use visual cues, such as disturbed soil, and chemosensory cues, like the scent left by the nesting female, to pinpoint egg locations. Crows, ravens, and some snakes also raid nests. In some areas, nearly all snapping turtle nests can be destroyed by predators shortly after laying.
Predators of Young Snapping Turtles
Hatchling and juvenile snapping turtles remain highly susceptible to predation due to their small size and relatively soft shells. As they emerge from nests and make their way to water, they encounter new threats. Many of the same predators that target eggs, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes, also prey on young turtles.
In aquatic environments, large predatory fish like largemouth bass, northern pike, and gar can consume young turtles. Wading birds, including herons and bitterns, are predators, as are raptors such as hawks and owls. Otters, minks, and even larger snapping turtles may prey on juveniles. The transition from a terrestrial nest to an aquatic habitat is a dangerous period for these small turtles.
Predators of Adult Snapping Turtles
Adult snapping turtles face few natural predators once they reach a considerable size. Their formidable defenses, including a powerful bite, a tough shell, and a combative disposition when out of water, deter most potential attackers. Large, old common snapping turtles have a low annual mortality rate from natural causes.
While rare, some larger predators may occasionally target adult snapping turtles. These can include American alligators, black bears, and coyotes. Northern river otters have also been observed preying on hibernating adult snapping turtles. However, the primary threat to adult snapping turtles comes from human activities, such as road mortality during overland movements, habitat destruction, and illegal harvesting for meat. These human-related impacts significantly affect adult survival rates.