Snapping turtles, with their ancient lineage, have traversed Earth’s wetlands for nearly 90 million years. These freshwater inhabitants, found in lakes, rivers, and marshes across North America, often appear as silent, solitary figures. While commonly perceived as quiet, snapping turtles do make distinct noises, challenging the assumption of their complete silence.
Snapping Turtle Vocalizations
Snapping turtles produce a range of sounds, even though they do not possess vocal cords like mammals. Instead, they generate noise primarily by expelling air from their lungs. The most frequently heard sound is a hiss, which results from rapidly extending and retracting their necks during a snap. Beyond hissing, these turtles also produce grunts, guttural sounds, and low growls or barking noises.
Many of their vocalizations are low-pitched or quiet. Hatchling snapping turtles also vocalize, with research identifying at least five distinct types of sounds from them within their nests. Adult common snapping turtles also make gurgling sounds, possibly indicating hunger. Their diverse sounds demonstrate a subtle auditory presence in their habitats.
Reasons for Snapping Turtle Sounds
The sounds made by snapping turtles primarily serve defensive or aggressive purposes. When encountered on land, where they cannot quickly retreat into their shells like other turtle species, they often become defensive. Their hiss is a common warning sign, produced by sharply exhaling air. This defensive behavior is a fear-based response to perceived danger, not an indication of inherent aggression.
Grunting sounds can also signal fear or displeasure, often occurring when a turtle is startled or handled. During breeding season, male snapping turtles may make grunting noises as part of their courtship rituals, and physical interactions can involve clacking sounds from their shells. Additionally, vocalizations from hatchlings might play a role in coordinating their emergence from subterranean nests.
Identifying Snapping Turtle Sounds
Recognizing the sounds of a snapping turtle involves observing their auditory characteristics and context. Their vocalizations are sudden, short, and forceful. These sounds are often directly linked to the turtle’s physical actions, such as a rapid exhalation when retracting its head into its shell or during a defensive lunge. Snapping turtles are most likely to make these noises when approached or handled on land.
Consider the environment where a sound originates to confirm it is from a snapping turtle. Sounds like water splashing or rustling in leaves are common environmental noises that can be mistaken for animal activity. Snapping turtle sounds are low in pitch and volume, but their sharp, abrupt nature in a defensive situation can make them noticeable. Observing the animal’s behavior in conjunction with the sound provides the clearest indication of its origin.