Snapping turtles are the most common turtles in the eastern United States. They are very aggressive on land, but in the water they are very docile and will partially retract their heads if stepped upon. They prefer life in shallow ponds and marshes that have a muddy bottom where they walk in search of vegetation, invertebrates, fish, snakes and carrion (dead stuff). They are active most of the year even when the surface of their pond is frozen. The best time to see snapping turtles is in the spring when they are courting and when the female is searching for a nest sight. Many people encounter them on roads and in fields during this period. Hatchlings are born in late summer on land and head for the nearest water.
Turtles are the most ancient reptiles and appeared before the dinosaurs, more than 200 million years age.
Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentine
Class : Reptilia...waterproof skin called scales, cold blooded, land eggs Order : Testudines...turtles and tortoises, bony box-like shell partially enclosing the animal Family: Chelydrae...large head, broad neck, long tail, cannot completely retract into shell. Snapping Jaws with razor sharp beak
