Snapping Turtle Facts | Snapping Turtle Species | Snapping turtle diet

Many turtles are now endangered, thanks to human activities. One of them is the snapping turtles. Over here you can see snapping turtle facts.

Turtles are one of the most exciting creatures on earth, and so are the snapping turtles with their ripped, muscular body and long necks.

You can find them in the North American regions. They are freshwater turtles. However, you can find them in estuaries as well.

That’s not all about them. Let’s find out some more snapping turtle facts!

Snapping turtle species

Although the snapping turtles are exclusive to the two continents of America, there are three different species.

  • Common snapping turtles
  • Alligator snapping turtles
  • Central and South American Snapping turtles

Let’s take a closer look at each one of them.

  • Common snapping turtles

Scientists didn’t put much thought while naming them. As you might’ve figured out from the name, they are the most common species.

They can grow more than 12 inches and weigh around 75 pounds. The bulky body has a hard and long tail like that of a crocodile. Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle become adults at the age of 10 years and they can reach a minimum of 12 inches long.

  • Alligator snapping turtles

Like the common ones, they are also giants weighing over 150 pounds. They are similar to the common snapping turtles, except that they have bigger heads and a knob-like tail.

  • Central and South American Snapping turtles

You can find these snapping turtles in the South American and Central American regions. They are similar to the common ones. There are a few minor differences in anatomy. So, you can call them the subspecies of the common snapping turtles. Central American Wood Turtle are water-friendly species.

Interesting facts about snapping turtles

Are you ready for the surprising facts about snapping turtles coming your way? Well, buckle up as we are about to begin.

Top of the food chain (not exactly)

Snapping turtles are huge! If they were in high school, they’d be the cool kids, and no one would want to mess with them. Naturally, they don’t have any predators. However, they are meals in the Americas. Consequently, there has been a decline in the number of species.

Tongue bait

What’s better than using your tongue like a bait? Snapping turtles have a pink worm-like tongue. They open their mouth, and the fish try to get a hold of the worm.

However, it is the snapping turtles that get them.

Cannibals

Snapping turtles eat anything that they can find. They might even eat other turtles.

Alligator snapping turtle facts

Interesting facts about snapping turtles

Here are some facts about the alligator snapping turtles.

  • They can grow up to 2-feet in length, and they weigh over 175 pounds.
  • The shell comes in a set of dark colors. It can be either black, grey, brown, or green.
  • They are one of the oldest creatures on the planet, almost 20 million years.
  • Temperature determines the sex of the babies. The moderate temperature will give rise to the male. Contrarily, extreme temperatures give birth to females.
  • Turtle can’t survive without its shell.
  • Turtle Eye Infection is common in the turtle community but in some cases, it’s dangerous for turtles.
  • Turtle Shell Rot is an infectious disease consequent to poor water conditions.

Snapping turtle diet

Snapping turtles are omnivores. They eat both animals and plants. Whatever you put in front of them, they will eat it. They’ll eat plants, insects, birds, fishes, other turtles, frogs, and a lot of other stuff. Ocean and sea turtles are plant-eaters, animal-eaters, and the ones who eat both, respectively.

Conclusion

Snapping turtles are one of the oldest animals on earth, and they look their part as well. They are intimidating, strong, and aggressive.

So, if you encounter one, try not to bother it so much. You’ll regret it!

FAQs

1. Can a snapping turtle bite a finger off?

A snapping turtle bite is extremely agonizing. It is powerful enough to cut the finger. Moreover, teeth design is efficient in cutting.

2. Are Snapping turtles dangerous?

Well, snapping turtles can be dangerous if you provoke them. Otherwise, they impose no harm. So, it’s best to leave them alone.

3. How long do snapping turtles live?

We can’t say for sure. In the wild, they can live for 100 years or even 200 years. However, as pets, they can live between 30 and 60 years or more.

4. How big do alligator snapping turtles get?

As adults, alligator snapping turtles are somewhere between 15 and 32 inches. The average weight is around 175-180 pounds.

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