How to Tell Snapping Turtles: An Easy Guide

Snapping turtles are fascinating creatures that often intrigue and confuse people due to their distinct characteristics and similarities with other turtles. However, how to tell snapping turtles? With a few key identifiers, you can easily distinguish a snapping turtle from other species. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these remarkable reptiles, from their features to tips on telling them apart from other turtles.

What Are Snapping Turtles?

Snapping turtles are a group of large freshwater turtles recognized for their strong jaws and aggressive disposition.

They belong to two families: the Chelydridae family (common snapping turtles) and the Protostegidae family (alligator snapping turtles). These turtles are native to North America and can be found in a plethora of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Snapping turtles are known for their long lifespan, which can extend up to 40 years or more in the wild. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping control fish populations and scavenging dead plant and animal matter.

How to Identify a Snapping Turtle?

There are various physical characteristics you can use to identify a snapping turtle. These include size, tail, shell shape, and skull shape. Below, we delve deeper into each of these features.

Size

One of the prominent ways to identify a snapping turtle is by its size. These turtles are generally larger than many other freshwater species.

Adult common snapping turtles can have a shell length ranging from 8 to 18 inches, and weigh between 10 and 35 pounds.

Alligator snapping turtles are even larger, with some individuals weighing up to 175 pounds and having a shell length of up to 30 inches.

Juveniles are smaller but quickly outgrow many other turtle species

within a few years. Growth rates can vary depending on diet and living conditions.

Tail

The tail of a snapping turtle is another distinguishing feature. Unique and easy to recognize, this part of their anatomy offers notable clues.

A snapping turtle’s tail is almost as long as its body. This length helps significantly in identification.

The tail is adorned with rough, jagged ridges that resemble the texture of a dinosaur’s tail. This feature is more pronounced in alligator snapping turtles.

When spotting a turtle with a notably long and ridged tail, you can be almost certain it’s a snapping turtle.

Shell Shape

The shell, or carapace, of a snapping turtle is quite different from that of other turtles, and it offers several identifying pointers.

Snapping turtles have a rugged, rough carapace with a series of prominent ridges, especially in the juveniles. These ridges tend to smooth out as they age.

The shell is typically dark brown, olive, or black, offering excellent camouflage in murky waters.

A distinguishing feature is the lack of a fully protective plastron (the belly part of the shell), which leaves more of their body exposed compared to other turtles.

Skull Shape

Examining the skull shape can provide additional identifying details.

Snapping turtles have a large, powerful skull with strong jaw muscles. This anatomy supports their hunting and scavenging habits.

Unlike many other turtles, their beak is much more hooked and pronounced, adding to their intimidating appearance.

Their skull structure is adapted for a strong bite force, necessary for capturing prey and defense mechanisms.

How to Differentiate Snapping Turtles from Other Turtles?

Recognizing a snapping turtle among other turtle species is aided by specific characteristics unique to them.

Firstly, behavior serves as a key differentiator. Snapping turtles are notably more aggressive than most other turtles. They are less shy, often exhibiting defensive postures and quick to bite if threatened.

Another factor is mobility on land. Most turtles walk relatively fast and can retract fully into their shells for protection. In contrast, snapping turtles rarely retract fully due to their reduced plastron and possess strong, quick limbs for striking out at potential threats.

Lastly, snapping turtles have a more pronounced and muscular neck compared to other species, which they use for their snap-bite technique.

Conclusion

Understanding how to tell snapping turtles and differentiate them from other species is important for both safety and conservation efforts. By focusing on distinctive features like size, tail, shell shape, and skull structure, you can become adept at spotting these fascinating creatures. Equipped with this knowledge, you can appreciate the unique role snapping turtles play in their habitats and ensure safe and respectful interactions.

FAQ

What are some identifying features of a snapping turtle?

Snapping turtles have a large, rugged carapace with ridges, especially prominent in youth. They possess a long ridged tail, a powerful skull with a hooked beak, and a partially exposed plastron.

How can you tell a snapping turtle from an alligator snapping turtle?

Common snappers have smoother shells, smaller heads, and visible eyes from above. Alligator snappers have more ridged shells, larger heads with a more pronounced hook, and eyes barely visible from above. Alligator snappers also have a distinct, worm-like lure on their tongue and are generally larger.

What are the 3 types of snapping turtles?

The primary types of snapping turtles are the common snapping turtle, the alligator snapping turtle, and the Suwannee snapping turtle, each with distinct physical and behavioral traits.