Snapping turtles' habits
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June 26 04:16:56, 2025
The American Snapping Turtle, scientifically known as *Chelydra serpentina*, is also referred to as the "Crocodile Turtle" or "Small Crocodile Turtle." It belongs to the family Chelydridae and is one of the most aggressive turtle species in North America. Native to the United States, it was introduced to China in 1997, with only a few farmers raising them in East and South China. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of successful artificial breeding.
These turtles are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments. They can survive both cold winters and hot summers, hibernating naturally when temperatures drop. Their strong immunity and fast growth make them a popular choice for some aquaculture farms.
In terms of appearance, the American Snapping Turtle is large, with a carapace length reaching up to 47 cm. Its head is triangular, with a gray-brown color and scattered black spots. The mouth is large, extending behind the eyes, and the neck is long and pale yellow. The carapace is short and wide, with spiny projections and radial stripes. The plastron is small and not fully protective, allowing the limbs to extend. The tail is long and resembles a crocodile's, with a spine-like structure on top.
In the wild, they are aquatic, inhabiting lakes, rivers, marshes, and even brackish waters. They are excellent at camouflage, often resembling floating debris. They are active during the day, basking on logs or rocks, and become more active at night. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 15°C to 34°C, and hibernate when it gets too cold.
American Snapping Turtles are known for their fierce nature. Adults are highly aggressive and can attack humans if threatened. Juveniles, however, are more docile. When disturbed, they retreat into their shells, then strike quickly before hiding again. They also emit a musky scent when handled, similar to the Mexican Musk Turtle.
They are omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, fish, amphibians, and small mammals. In captivity, they eat fish, meat, and fruits. Male turtles are larger with longer tails, while females have shorter tails and lay eggs in burrows near water. Mating occurs between April and September, with egg-laying taking place from May to November. Each clutch can contain 11 to 83 eggs, with the sex of the hatchlings determined by incubation temperature.
Juveniles are small, weighing around 9.5 to 12 grams, with a dark, rounded shell. Their carapace has spines and serrated edges, making them easily distinguishable from other turtle species. Overall, the American Snapping Turtle is a fascinating and resilient creature, well adapted to its environment.