Common Snapping Turtle

  • Scientific name: Chelydraserpentina
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Chelydridae
  • Genus: Chelydra
  • Species: C. serpentina

Fun Facts


  • The common snapping turtle spends much of its time on the bottom of bodies of water.
  • They are primarily nocturnal, but will feed underwater during the day ambushing their prey.
  • Snapping turtles are ill-tempered and capable of producing a very serious bite.
  • They live 30 to 40 years and eat anything from insects to small mammals.
  • A common snapping turtle can weigh 20 to 75 pounds.
Common Snapping Turtle