There are two kinds of snapping turtles in our area, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. However, the only one I’ve seen is the common snapping turtle, which I’ve encountered throughout the year, even under the ice at our frozen winter pond, where it was searching for food. It is the only turtle active throughout winter. The other pond turtles become inactive when the weather is cold, but are active again when it warms up, even during winter. Box turtles sleep or brumate (become dormant) during winter. They don’t “wake up” like the pond turtles.
Snapping Turtles
Snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles. They have large heads with powerful hooked jaws and a long tail. These primitive-looking turtles have short tempers and will strike viciously if bothered and can inflict serious wounds. The neck is long, and they can stretch a surprising distance. The shell of the common snapper is fairly smooth and often covered with algae or mud. They are frequently seen far from ponds as they move across land from one body of water to another.
Check out the size of the nails on the hind feet of the snapper.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
The alligator snapper has a rough, serrated shell, and has a strongly hooked beak. It is by far the largest freshwater turtle in North America, weighing up to 250 pounds. The turtle rarely basks but tends to stay at the bottom of ponds.
Although I’ve searched, I’ve never found an alligator snapping turtle. I’ll keep looking, and maybe one day I’ll get lucky.
