A smile to beguile

Several years ago, I had my first introduction to the awe inspiring Common Snapping turtle. The size rendered me speechless (the carapace on this one being around 38 cm). And very quickly, I learned that the wonderful look of contentment and joy that seems apparent on these characters faces is completely misleading.......

I witnessed first hand, the combative disposition these turtles are known for when out of the water...with their powerful beak-like jaws, large claws, muscular build and highly mobile head and neck, they present a real danger to all who come near.
Having found itself on the road, this snapper was herded back in to vegetation, well away from traffic.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Look at that, what an awesome prehistoric looking beast. Great details! Posted 3 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

A beautiful beast, indeed! I had a run-in with one of these last year. It was in the road and wouldn't move as I tried to shoo it. So, I picked it up and carried it. It was soooo mad at me - it made noises, thrashed, tried to bite and scratch me. I had to put it down every foot or so because it was so heavy, stinky, and belligerent. They can stretch their necks so far that it is so hard to hold them without being bitten - and, they have the strength to sever a finger. I probably should have left it in the road, but I couldn't bear to. Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  So many of us see them on the roads! Yes, I learned very quickly the appropriateness of the Latin binomial C. serpentina)....couldn't believe the length of that hidden neck! Like a snake with a shell attached ha ha. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    It surprised me too. The neck is unbelievably long..."snake with a shell" - exactly!! Posted 3 years ago

The Common snapping turtle

The common snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle of the family Chelydridae. Its natural range extends from southeastern Canada, southwest to the edge of the Rocky Mountains, as far east as Nova Scotia and Florida and as far southwest as northeastern Mexico. This species and the larger alligator snapping turtle are the only two species in this family found in North America.

Info 15 0

Similar species: Turtles And Tortoises

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman