Snapping turtles, common inhabitants of freshwater environments across North America, are known for their distinctive appearance and often reclusive aquatic nature. These reptiles, characterized by their powerful jaws and serrated tails, spend most of their lives submerged. However, their annual reproductive cycle prompts significant changes in behavior, leading them to venture onto land for mating and nesting activities.
When Snapping Turtles Mate
Snapping turtles engage in mating from late spring through early summer, though their breeding season can extend from April to November in some regions. Warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours signal the time for reproductive activity. After emerging from hibernation, turtles begin searching for mates.
Mating primarily occurs within their aquatic habitats. Male snapping turtles will approach females, and the interaction can sometimes appear aggressive, involving chasing and mounting. The male grips the female’s carapace with all four feet and may bite her head and neck during the process. While mating can last up to an hour, it usually takes place partially underwater.
Nesting and Laying Eggs
Following successful mating, female snapping turtles prepare for nesting, an activity that usually peaks in late May through June. A female will leave the water to find a suitable nesting site, often traveling up to a mile from her aquatic home. These sites are typically in sunny, well-drained areas with loose soil, sand, or gravel.
The nesting process can take several hours, during which the female uses her powerful hind legs to dig a bowl-shaped cavity, typically 4 to 7 inches deep. She may urinate to soften dry soil, aiding in excavation. The female then lays a clutch of 20 to 40 eggs, though clutches can range from 10 to 50 eggs. After depositing the eggs, she covers them with soil, often patting it down with her plastron to camouflage the nest before returning to the water. The incubation period for snapping turtle eggs generally lasts 80 to 90 days, but can vary from 55 to 125 days depending on temperature and other environmental factors. Hatchlings typically emerge between August and October, using a small egg tooth to break out of their shells.
Encountering Snapping Turtles
During mating and especially nesting season, snapping turtles become more visible as females venture onto land. Observing these animals from a distance is advised, as they are naturally defensive when on land and cannot fully retreat into their shells. While usually docile in water, they may hiss or snap if disturbed on land. Avoid approaching them closely, especially near their head and neck, as they possess strong jaws and a long, flexible neck.
If a snapping turtle is encountered crossing a road, intervention should only occur if safe. The safest method is to gently guide the turtle in the direction it was heading using a long object like a broom or stick. Picking up a snapping turtle by its tail is harmful and can cause severe spinal injury. If direct handling is unavoidable, wearing thick gloves and grasping the shell near the back legs, while keeping hands away from the head, is recommended.