Common Snapping Turtle

The common snapping turtle is the largest freshwater species of turtle found in New Jersey. They prefer permanent bodies of still or water. The carapace of the turtle is dark and can be green, brown or black. In some cases, older turtles may acquire aquatic vegetation that has adhered to their carapace (Top Shell) over time. The plastron (Bottom Shell) is light in coloration and does not cover the entire underside of the turtle. Snapping turtles have extremely long tails that are covered in bony plates. In addition, the common snapping turtle has a large robust head and a long flexible neck. The jaws of snapping turtles are large and powerful, featuring a hooked beak. Male and female snapping turtles are similar in size however they can be distinguished by looking at their tails. The tails of male snapping turtles are usually longer and thicker than the tails of females. In addition, the vent of male turtles is further away from the plastron, while the vents of female turtles are closer to the plastron.

The breeding season for common snapping turtles begins in April and ends in November. Unlike most animals, breeding age in snapping turtles is determined by size rather than age. Once the carapace of a snapping turtle reaches 8 inches in length, the turtle can reproduce. The female turtle will lay one clutch of eggs in an excavated nest on land. Clutches usually average between 20-40 eggs. The female will cover the nest before returning to the water, leaving the baby turtles to fend for themselves. Approximately 90% of snapping turtle nests are destroyed by predators such as racoons and skunks. The sex of baby snapping turtles is determined by the temperature of the nest. Eggs maintained at 68 degrees will be female, eggs maintained at 73-75 degrees will be male and eggs maintained between 70-72 degrees will be either male or female. Hatching usually takes between 80-90 days and the hatchlings break out of their shells using their egg tooth. Most snapping turtles do not make it past their first year of life due to predation from wading birds, raccoons and skunks.

Once snapping turtles become adults, there are no natural predators that threaten them. The only natural threat to an adult snapping turtle is another snapping turtle. The diet of snapping turtles consists of aquatic vegetation as well as fish, insects, tadpoles, frogs and occasionally carrion and wading birds. Snapping turtles are not endangered; however, the biggest threats they encounter are collisions by motorists during the breeding season and destruction of wetlands.