Description
The Snapping Turtle is very distinctive among Canadian
Turtles. It is our largest freshwater turtle reaching up to 50 cm
carapace length. It is tan or olive to
black in colour and has three rows of knobs along the top of thecarapace. Each scute may have a pattern of radiating lines
however in older adults colour and pattern may be obscured by algae
growing on thecarapace or worn smooth.
The plastron is very reduced in size
but the head, jaws, legs and tail are thick and powerful. The tail
has a series of small spikes along its length.
Confusing Species
This species is not easily confused with any other
species found in Canada.
Distribution
Snapping Turtles occur from the Maritimes westward to
parts of Saskatchewan and they may also be found in Alberta.
Although they are widespread in Nova Scotia
and south into the United States, there are only disjunct
populations in New Brunswick. They also occur throughout much of
the United States east of the Rockies and as far south as Ecuador.
Habitat
This is a highly aquatic species found in a variety of
freshwater habitats. It prefers slow-moving water with a soft mud
or sand bottom and abundant vegetation.
Reproduction
In Ontario, females do not begin to breed until they
are 17-19 years old. Females dig a nest in May or June in an open
area with loose, sandy soil. This is often the side of a road,
embankment or shoreline. A single clutch of up to 104 eggs is
laid, although half this number is more common. Eggs hatch in the
fall although in cool years they may not hatch at all. Hatchlings
are 2-3 cm in length. The incubation temperature of the eggs
determines what sex the hatchlings will be.
Natural history
Snapping Turtles rarely emerge from the water to bask
and then only in the spring. Although they have a reputation for
being bad-tempered this is only true when they are encountered on
land and therefore feeling vulnerable. In the water, Snapping
Turtles are very curious but rarely aggressive although they may
mistake dangling fingers for food. They are omnivorous and feed on
invertebrates and plants as well as fish, frogs, snakes, small
turtles and aquatic birds. They hibernate all winter on the bottom
of lakes and rivers.
Conservation Concerns
Snapping Turtles and their eggs are harvested for food
although populations are apparently stable. Females are commonly
hit by cars while searching for nest sites on the side of the
roads. Others are sometimes deliberately shot or run over by
people who dislike turtles.
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