Common name : Common snapping turtle
Scientific name : Chelydra serpentina
Family : Chelydridae
Native to : Distributed from South-Eastern Canada to Florida
Interesting fact : The turtle’s meat is popular in some areas and used in the turtle’s soup.
Conservation status : Least Concern
The common snapping turtle has strong legs, claws and a bony beak. Their dark shells are covered in mud and algae. The aggressive turtles snap with their jaws in defence as they cannot pull their bodies into the shells. They prefer muddy brackish waters and plants for hiding, and feed on insects, fish, birds, frogs and dead animals.
