Snapping Turtle

Range/Habitat: Common snapping turtles are found across eastern North America, they can be found in both fresh and brackish water.

Diet: Common snapping turtles are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate prey, and aquatic vegetation. They will rest at the bottom of a water source and use their long neck to extend their mouth towards the prey.

Expected Lifespan: Snapping turtles are known to live over 30 years in the wild in captivity they have been recorded living to 47.

Fun Facts:

• Our resident snapping turtle is named Koopa.
• These turtles are generally docile when in the water but if approached on land they become defensive and will often attempt to strike and bite at a perceived threat.
• They love hiding in the muddiest spots of a body of water and are very well camouflaged for that habitat.
• To hunt live prey, the snapping turtle opens its mouth to make its worm-shaped tongue visible.
• When a fish comes to the “worm”, the turtle snaps and eats its prey. Snapping turtle shells were historically used as a tool and in ceremonies by eastern tribes of Native Americans.