There are two species living in the United States, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. They live in freshwater habitats feeding on small animals.
Populations of the alligator snapping turtle are in decline and they are considered a vulnerable species. Habitat loss, climate change, and poaching are all reasons for this.
Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). See how pre-historic they look! Photo by Gary M. Stolz/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
What Do Snapping Turtles Look Like?
Snapping turtles have distinguishing features that make them easily identifiable.
There are two types of snapping turtle in the U.S, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. They both have distinctive ridges on their shells, their skin is rough and bumpy, and the top of their mouth curls over into a sharp beak (1).
The alligator snapping turtle is larger with a triangular-shaped head and three prominent ridges along the shell.
Common snapping turtles have a smoother shell as they age, an oval head, and are more likely to be spotted on roadways.
Despite their fearsome-looking features, snapping turtles are unlikely to harm humans unless they feel threatened.
Where do Snapping Turtles Live?
Common snapping turtles have a fairly broad range and are found throughout eastern North America everywhere east of the Mississippi river and including several Great Plains states.
The alligator snapping turtle is only found in 14 southern states in the US predominantly in waters connecting to the Mississippi River and flowing into the Gulf of Mexico (1). Once plentiful in the rivers draining into the Gulf, their range has been significantly reduced in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Oklahoma (7).
Both species live in fresh and brackish water, often with soft bottoms and abundant vegetation (2). As well as concealing them from predators, submerged structures and vegetation also help them to resurface for breathing and often contain higher densities of their prey (3).
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) range map. Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America.
What Do Snapping Turtles Eat?
Snapping turtles are omnivorous, eating both plants and animals. Prey species include fish, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals as well as many invertebrates (4).
Alligator snappers tend to eat less vegetation than their common relatives and have been known to eat small alligators (4).
Learn more about turtles in general in our article Turtles Are Terrific!
How does the Common Snapping Turtle Differ from the Alligator Snapping Turtle?
The common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle are similar in many ways, but there are a few defining features that separate them from one another.
The alligator snapper looks more ‘prehistoric’ than the common snapper, with more pronounced ridges along its shell, a more beak-like mouth, and a more angular head.
The alligator snapper is larger, typically between 20 and 175 pounds, but has been recorded to weigh as much as 249 pounds (1). In comparison, the common snapper averages 10-35 pounds, with the heaviest recorded at 75 pounds (1).
Vermiform
The alligator snapping turtle also has a very unique feature. Inside its mouth is a pink worm-like appendage (vermiform) which it uses as a lure to attract prey (5). It will sit at the bottom of a lake or river with its mouth open wide and fish will be attracted to the lure and can swim right into the turtle’s mouth!
It’s the only turtle species in the world to use this technique of prey capture (5). They are less mobile than the common snapper and so this luring technique is an important method for feeding.
Check out the vermiform in this shot! Alligator snapping turtle.
Are They Endangered?
Alligator snapping turtles are listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN, and not federally protected. This means that they are at risk of becoming extinct in the wild (6). Some predict they could become extinct within 30 years (7).
However, due to declining numbers, they are protected in many states including Florida, Kentucky, and Georgia.
The USFWS has proposed that the Alligator Snapping Turtle be listed as a threatened species and deserving of federal protection. A threatened animal is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future if it does not receive protection.
Human Impact
Humans are mostly responsible for the demise of this important species. They have been captured for the exotic pet trade, hunted for their meat and shells, and lost much of their habitat (6).
Habitat loss causes snapping turtles to travel greater distances to find food and mates. This brings them into greater conflict with roads and cars.
Like many turtle species, they have also been killed and injured through ingestion and entanglement in fishing gear (7) and climate change is also playing a role in their decline. Turtles are reptiles which means that they are cold-blooded and are therefore more susceptible to changes in environmental temperature.
Read our blog Kentucky Turtles: Slowly Walking Towards Extinction?
Adding to their vulnerability is the fact that the turtles take a long time to reach maturity (approximately 20 years) and they have low fertility and low hatchling survival rates (7). Furthermore, due to their long lifespan (50-100 years), they can accumulate toxins and pollutants from their environment, leading to ill health and poor reproductivity.
You can see how small they are at birth. A baby common snapping turtle. Miller Woods in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Photo by J. Visviva
Common Snapper Not Threatened - Yet!
As the name suggests, common snapping turtles, are not endangered within the U.S and their population is considered stable. They produce larger clutch sizes than the alligator snapper (8) and are found across a wider geographical area. In Canada, however, they are in sharp decline.
This is primarily due to habitat loss. It is therefore important to protect and preserve such habitats across the U.S while the common snapper population is stable.
Are There Snapping Turtles In Wisconsin?
There are, indeed, snapping turtles in Wisconsin. They are the common snappers and inhabit the freshwater and swampy lakes found there. They are one of 11 turtle species found in Wisconsin but are the largest and heaviest.
A great guide to turtles in the upper midwest!
Do Snapping Turtles Have Predators?
Snapping turtles fall prey to a huge number of different animal species. The nests are often raided and the eggs are devoured by the likes of fire ants, rats, raccoons, skunks, badgers, opossums, crows, coyotes, and mink (9).
Some of these species also predate the hatchlings. In the water, baby turtles can be eaten by predatory fish such as bass and pike, as well as snakes (9). Cranes, Herons, and egrets also eat the babies (9).
Adult snappers are usually too big for many of these predators but alligators, black bears, and otters have been known to eat them (9).
Humans are probably the biggest predator of snapping turtles. Most states have a season where snapping turtles may be caught, trapped, and/or hunted for meat or pleasure. Snapping turtle soup is a traditional food in the south.
Can a Snapping Turtle Hurt You?
The bite force of the alligator snapping turtle could potentially sever a human finger, however, it is very unlikely to attack you unless it feels threatened. They are confident in the water and therefore easily move away if they feel in danger.
On land, however, they are less mobile and more likely to feel vulnerable. It is best to keep your distance and be aware when entering shallow freshwater.
Most incidents of a snapping turtle biting a human have been when they are trapped and being caught to be killed.
Will Snapping Turtles Bite You While Swimming?
It is unlikely a snapping turtle will bite you while swimming. They are more likely to swim away when they sense your presence.
They prefer shallow water, so upon entering a freshwater pond or lake, you could come into contact with a snapper and accidentally tread on one. It may bite you if it feels threatened.
If you are swimming, however, snapping turtles do not typically swim up to you or approach you.
How Can You Safely Pick Up and Move a Snapping Turtle Across the Road?
You are likely to see snapping turtles crossing roads, especially near lakes or ponds. Many fall victim to vehicles, but you can safely pick up and move a snapping turtle across a road.
Approach the animal from behind. Gently but quickly grab the turtle on the sides of its body, with your thumbs on the upper shell and fingers underneath. Keep the head away from your face and body at all times.
The turtle may be heavier than you think, so lift it carefully and keep it low to the ground in case you drop it. Move the turtle to a safe location (near the water’s edge) and gently place the turtle on the ground. Step away slowly.
Never pick up a turtle by its tail as you can cause severe injury. The tail is attached to the spine.
A common snapping turtle that I rescued and released at Fox Run in Kentucky. Photo by Ame Vanorio
Snapping Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation
Both large organizations and home wildlife rehabilitators are working to rescue snapping turtles.
Conservation efforts are trying to tackle the declining populations. In 2016, a conservation program at Nashville Zoo, began growing hatchling alligator snapping turtles until 3 or 4 years of age.
Staff then released the turtles back into the wild (8). At this age, the turtles are large enough to avoid predation.
Snapping Turtle References
1. AZ Animals (2022) Snapping Turtle https://a-z-animals.com/animals/snapping-turtle/
2. Bosch, A. 2003. "Chelydra serpentina" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Chelydra_serpentina/
3. Howey, C. A. F., & Dinkelacker, S. A. (2009). Habitat selection of the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Arkansas. Journal of Herpetology, 43(4), 589-596.
4. Wilson Academy (2019) Common Snapping Turtle vs. Alligator Snapping Turtle https://www.upperdarbysd.org/cms/lib/PA02209738/Centricity/Domain/316/common%20snapping%20turtle%20vs%20alligator%20snapping%20turtle%20et.pdf
5. Collins, S. L., & VanDeWalle, T. (2011). Turtles in Your Pocket: A Guide to Freshwater and Terrestrial Turtles of the Upper Midwest.
6. National Geographic (2022) Alligator snapping turtle https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/alligator-snapping-turtle?loggedout=true
7. Centre for Biological Diversity (2021) Endangered Species Protection Proposed for Alligator Snapping Turtle https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/endangered-species-protection-proposed-for-alligator-snapping-turtle-2021-11-08/
8. Nashville Zoo (2022) Alligator Snapping Turtle Conservation https://www.nashvillezoo.org/alligator-snapping-turtle-conservation
9. Sciencing (2022) What Are the Predators for Snapping Turtles? https://sciencing.com/predators-snapping-turtles-5951360.html
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run EEC and a lover of all turtles.
There are two species living in the United States, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. They live in freshwater habitats feeding on small animals.
Populations of the alligator snapping turtle are in decline and they are considered a vulnerable species. Habitat loss, climate change, and poaching are all reasons for this.