Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
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photo by Jeff Humphries this photo and egg-laying photo by Jeff Davis
Species Description: The
looks of this turtle perfectly fit its attitude. They can be over
17 inches (43.2 cm) long and weigh over 40 pounds (18.1 kg). Snappers
have a huge head, a serrated carapace, and a long, saw-toothed tail.
The plastron is cross-shaped and much smaller than that of most other turtles.
Thus, the fleshy underparts are left exposed (maybe that's why they're
so angry all the time?!). The eyes of snapping turtles are surprisingly
beautiful. If you can get close enough, check them out.
Habitat: Snappers are found in just about every type of aquatic habitat. They prefer rivers, streams, or ponds with soft, muddy bottoms. Usually, only the eyes and nostrils are visible above the water, as snappers oftentimes bury themselves completely in the mud. Breeding Activity: These turtles mate anytime from
April through October and the female may remain fertile from one insemination
for up to 3 years. Nesting occurs around June in Range: Snappers are very common in streams, rivers, ponds, swamps, and impoundments in West Virginia. Status: Not listed. |