Editing Common snapping turtle

{{Short description|Species of turtles}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Snapping Turtle Heinz.png
| image_caption = A common snapping turtle crossing the trail at [[John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum|John Heinz NWR]]
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn | author =van Dijk, P.P. | title = ''Chelydra serpentina '' | volume= 2012| page = e.T163424A97408395| doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T163424A18547887.en |year = 2012| errata = 2016 |access-date = 4 December 2017 }}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A2
| status2_system = CITES
| status2_ref = <ref name="CITES">{{Cite web|title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|access-date=2023-03-01|website=cites.org}}</ref>
| genus = Chelydra
| species = serpentina
| authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]])
| synonyms = *''Testudo serpentina'' <small>[[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758</small>
*''Chelydra serpentina'' <small>[[August Friedrich Schweigger|Schweigger]], 1812</small>
| range_map = Common snapping turtle range map.jpg
| range_map_caption = Native range map of ''C. serpentina''
}}

The '''common snapping turtle''' ('''''Chelydra serpentina''''') is a [[species]] of large freshwater [[turtle]] in the [[Family (biology)|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]]. The present-day ''Chelydra serpentina'' population in the Middle [[Rio Grande]] suggests that the common snapping turtle has been present in this drainage since at least the seventeenth century and is likely native.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jones |first1=E. L. |last2=Steele |first2=L. W. |last3=Conrad |first3=C. |year=2022 |title=Archaeological Data Suggest Seventeenth-Century Presence of Common Snapping Turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') in the Middle Rio Grande |journal=Western North American Naturalist |volume=82 |issue=3 |pages=611–615 |doi=10.3398/064.082.0317}}</ref> The three species of ''[[Chelydra]]'' and the larger [[alligator snapping turtle]]s (genus ''[[Macrochelys]]'') are the only extant [[Chelydridae|chelydrids]], a family now restricted to the [[Americas]]. The common snapping turtle, as its name implies, is the most widespread.<ref>{{cite book|title=Biology of the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)|year=2008|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|pages=5–13|author=Ernst, C.H.|editor1=A.C. Styermark |editor2=M.S. Finkler |editor3=R.J. Brooks |chapter=Systematics, Taxonomy, and Geographic Distribution of the Snapping Turtles, Family Chelydridae |isbn=9780801887246}}</ref>

The common snapping turtle is noted for its combative disposition when out of the water with its powerful beak-like jaws, and highly mobile head and neck (hence the [[Specific name (zoology)|specific epithet]] ''serpentina'', meaning "[[snake]]-like"). In water, it is likely to flee and hide underwater in sediment. The common snapping turtle has a life-history strategy characterized by high and variable mortality of embryos and hatchlings, delayed sexual maturity, extended adult longevity, and [[semelparity and iteroparity|iteroparity]] (repeated reproductive events) with low reproductive success per reproductive event.<ref name="adw"/>

Females, and presumably also males, in more northern populations mature later (at 15–20 years) and at a larger size than in more southern populations (about 12 years). Lifespan in the wild is poorly known, but long-term mark-recapture data from [[Algonquin Provincial Park|Algonquin Park]] in Ontario, Canada, suggest a maximum age over 100 years.<ref name="adw">{{cite web|url=http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2009/ec/CW69-14-565-2009E.pdf|title=COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Snapping Turtle ''Chelydra serpentina''}}</ref>

==Anatomy and morphology==
[[File:Common Snapping Turtle Close Up.jpg|thumb|Close-up in [[Taum Sauk Mountain State Park]], Missouri]]
[[File:Snapper2.jpg|thumb|Head]]
[[File:Chelydra-serpentina3.jpg|thumb|Skull]]
[[File:Chelydra serpentina 3d scan Natural History Museum University of Pisa B 2030.stl|thumb|Skull of ''Chelydra serpentina'', 3D model]]
''C. serpentina'' has a rugged, muscular build with a ridged [[carapace]] (upper shell) that varies in color from tan, brown, and black,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=de Solla |first1=Shane R. |display-authors=etal |title=Impact of Organochlorine Contamination on Levels of Sex Hormones and External Morphology of Common Snapping Turtles (''Chelydra serpentina serpentina'') in Ontario, Canada |journal=Environmental Health Perspectives |volume=106 |issue=5 |year=1998 |pages=253–260 |doi=10.1289/ehp.98106253|pmid=9518475 |pmc=1533098 }}</ref> although ridges tend to be more pronounced in younger individuals. The straight-line carapace length in adulthood may be nearly {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}}, though {{convert|25|-|47|cm|in|abbr=on}} is more common.<ref name="Animal">{{cite book |editor=Wilson, D.E. |editor2=Burnie, D. |date=2001 |title=Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife |location=London and New York |publisher=Dorling Kindersley (DK) Publishing. 624 pp |isbn=978-0-7894-7764-4}}</ref> ''C. serpentina'' usually weighs {{convert|4.5|-|16|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Per one study, breeding common snapping turtles were found to average {{convert|28.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} in carapace length, {{convert|22.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} in [[turtle shell#Plastron|plastron]] length and weigh about {{convert|6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Iverson |first1=J.B. |last2=Higgins |first2=H. |last3=Sirulnik |first3=A. |last4=Griffiths |first4=C. |year=1997 |title=Local and geographic variation in the reproductive biology of the snapping turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') |journal=Herpetologica |volume=53 |issue=1 |pages=96–117 |jstor=3893247}}</ref>

Males are larger than females, with almost all  weighing in excess of {{convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} being male and quite old, as the species continues to grow throughout life.<ref name= Brooks/> Any specimen above the aforementioned weights is exceptional, but the heaviest wild specimen caught reportedly weighed {{convert|34|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Common snapping turtles kept in captivity can be quite overweight due to overfeeding and have weighed as much as {{convert|39|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. In the northern part of its range, the common snapping turtle is often the heaviest native freshwater turtle.<ref name=VHS>[http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/turtles/eastern-snapping-turtle/eastern_snapping_turtle.php Virginia Herpetological Society: Eastern Snapping Turtle ''Chelydra serpentina serpentina'']</ref>

According to a study by Nakamuta et al. (2016), common snapping turtles have well-developed olfactory organs, nerves, and bulbs that suggest that this species has a great sense of smell.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nakamuta |first1=Nobuaki |last2=Nakamuta |first2=Shoko |last3=Kato |first3=Hideaki |last4=Yamamoto |first4=Yoshio |date=2016 |title=Morphological study on the olfactory systems of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina |url=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tice.2016.03.011 |journal=Tissue and Cell |volume=48 |issue=3 |pages=145–151 |doi=10.1016/j.tice.2016.03.011 |pmid=27059760 |issn=0040-8166|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

[[File:Newly hatched common snapping turtles emerging from the ground.jpg|Hatchlings emerging from the ground|thumb|right]]

==Ecology and life history==
Common habitats are shallow [[pond]]s or [[streams]]. Some may inhabit [[brackish water|brackish]] environments, such as [[estuary|estuaries]]. These sources of water tend to have an abundance of [[aquatic vegetation]] due to the shallow pools.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Piczak |first1=Morgan L. |last2=Chow-Fraser |first2=Patricia |date=2019-06-01 |title=Assessment of critical habitat for common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) in an urbanized coastal wetland |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-019-00841-1 |journal=[[Urban Ecosystems]] |language=en |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=525–537 |doi=10.1007/s11252-019-00841-1 |bibcode=2019UrbEc..22..525P |s2cid=78091420 |issn=1573-1642|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Some describe them as habitat generalists<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=LaGrange |first1=Seth M. |last2=Kessler |first2=Ethan J. |last3=Li |first3=Zhuang |last4=Morrissiey |first4=Flavio |last5=Merchant |first5=Mark |date=2023 |title=Bite-Force Scaling across Size Classes in the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) and the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) |url=https://bioone.org/journals/southeastern-naturalist/volume-22/issue-sp12/058.022.0sp1228/Bite-Force-Scaling-across-Size-Classes-in-the-Alligator-Snapping/10.1656/058.022.0sp1228.full |journal=Southeastern Naturalist |volume=22 |issue=sp12 |pages=440–456 |doi=10.1656/058.022.0sp1228 |issn=1528-7092|url-access=subscription }}</ref> as they can occupy most permanent bodies of water.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Reese |first1=Scott A. |last2=Jackson |first2=Donald C. |last3=Ultsch |first3=Gordon R. |date=2002 |title=The Physiology of Overwintering in a Turtle That Occupies Multiple Habitats, the Common Snapping Turtle ( Chelydra serpentina ) |url=http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/342802 |journal=Physiological and Biochemical Zoology |language=en |volume=75 |issue=5 |pages=432–438 |doi=10.1086/342802 |pmid=12529844 |issn=1522-2152|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Common snapping turtles sometimes bask—though rarely observed—by floating on the surface with only their carapaces exposed, though in the northern parts of their range, they also readily bask on fallen logs in early spring. In shallow waters, common snapping turtles may lie beneath a muddy bottom with only their heads exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath. Their nostrils are positioned on the very tip of the snout, effectively functioning as snorkels.<ref name="Hammer, D.A. 1972">Hammer, D.A. (1972). ''Ecological relations of waterfowl and snapping turtle populations''. Ph.D. dissertation, Utah State University, Salt Lake City, UT. 72 pg.</ref>

Common snapping turtles are [[omnivore|omnivorous]].  Important aquatic scavengers, they are also active hunters that use ambush tactics to prey on anything they can swallow, including many [[invertebrate]]s, [[fish]], [[frog]]s, other [[amphibian]]s, [[reptile]]s (including snakes and smaller turtles), unwary [[bird]]s, and small [[mammal]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bergeron |first1=Christine M. |last2=Husak |first2=Jerry E. |last3=Unrine |first3=Jason M. |last4=Romanek |first4=Christopher S. |last5=Hopkins |first5=William A. |date=August 2007 |title=Influence of feeding ecology on blood mercury concentrations in four species of turtles |journal=Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry |volume=26 |issue=8 |pages=1733–1741 |doi=10.1897/06-594r.1 |issn=0730-7268 |pmid=17702349|s2cid=19542536 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=ADW>{{Cite web | url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Chelydra_serpentina/ | title=Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle) | website=[[Animal Diversity Web]] }}</ref> In a recent study, young common snapping turtles showed that their lower bite force matches their active foraging behavior, meaning they have to travel and seek out more prey to make up for their inability to eat some items.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=LaGrange |first1=Seth M. |last2=Kessler |first2=Ethan J. |last3=Li |first3=Zhuang |last4=Morrissiey |first4=Flavio |last5=Merchant |first5=Mark |date=2023 |title=Bite-Force Scaling across Size Classes in the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) and the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) |url=https://bioone.org/journals/southeastern-naturalist/volume-22/issue-sp12/058.022.0sp1228/Bite-Force-Scaling-across-Size-Classes-in-the-Alligator-Snapping/10.1656/058.022.0sp1228.full |journal=Southeastern Naturalist |volume=22 |issue=sp12 |pages=440–456 |doi=10.1656/058.022.0sp1228 |issn=1528-7092|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In some areas adult common snapping turtles can occasionally be incidentally detrimental to breeding [[waterfowl]], but their effect on such prey as ducklings and goslings is frequently exaggerated.<ref name="Hammer, D.A. 1972"/> As omnivorous scavengers though, they will also feed on [[carrion]] and a surprisingly large amount of aquatic vegetation.<ref name=ADW/>

[[File:Snapping_turtle_eggs_md.jpg|thumb|left|Eggs]][[File:Juvenile Snapping Turtle IBSP.tif|thumb|A juvenile common snapping turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') on a hiking path at [[Illinois Beach State Park]] ]]
Common snapping turtles have few predators when older, but eggs are subject to predation by [[crow]]s, [[American mink]], [[skunk]]s, [[fox]]es, and [[raccoon]]s.<ref name=Oddie-2015>{{Cite journal |last1=Oddie |first1=Melissa A.Y. |last2=Coombes |first2=Suzanne M. |last3=Davy |first3=Christina M. |date=April 2015 |title=Investigation of cues used by predators to detect Snapping Turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') nests |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2014-0264 |journal=Canadian Journal of Zoology |volume=93 |issue=4 |pages=299–305 |doi=10.1139/cjz-2014-0264 |issn=0008-4301|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Egg predators use three types of cues to locate turtle nests:
*Visual cues – seeing where the female has dug the soil for the nest chamber and seeing the turtle
*Tactile cues – soft surface around the nest site
*Chemosensory cues – scent of the musk of the female that she leaves on the surface of the soil as she digs<ref name=Oddie-2015/>

As hatchlings and juveniles, most of the same predators will attack them as well as [[heron]]s (mostly [[great blue heron]]s), [[bittern]]s, [[hawk]]s, [[owl]]s, [[Fisher (animal)|fisher]]s, [[American bullfrog]]s, large [[fish]], and [[snakes]].<ref name="VHS" /> There are records during winter in [[Canada]] of hibernating adult common snapping turtles being ambushed and preyed on by [[northern river otter]]s.<ref name="Brooks">{{cite journal |last1=Brooks |first1=R.J. |last2=Brown |first2=G.P. |last3=Galbraith |first3=D.A. |year=1991 |title=Effects of a sudden increase in natural mortality of adults on a population of the common snapping turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') |journal=Canadian Journal of Zoology |volume=69 |issue=5 |pages=1314–1320 |doi=10.1139/z91-185}}</ref> Other natural predators which have reportedly preyed on adults include [[coyote]]s, [[American black bear]]s, [[American alligator]]s and their larger cousins, [[alligator snapping turtle]]s.<ref>Ernst, C.H., & Lovich, J. E. (2009). ''Turtles of the United States and Canada''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.</ref> Large, old male common snapping turtles have very few natural threats due to their formidable size and defenses, and tend to have a very low annual mortality rate.<ref name="Brooks" />

These turtles travel extensively over land to reach new [[habitat]]s or to lay [[Egg (biology)|eggs]]. Pollution, [[habitat destruction]], food scarcity, overcrowding, and other factors drive snappers to move; it is quite common to find them traveling far from the nearest water source. Experimental data supports the idea that common snapping turtles can sense the Earth's magnetic field, which could also be used for such movements (together with a variety of other possible orientation cues).<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Landler|first1=Lukas|last2=Painter|first2=Michael S.|last3=Youmans|first3=Paul W.|last4=Hopkins|first4=William A.|last5=Phillips|first5=John B.|date=2015-05-15|title=Spontaneous Magnetic Alignment by Yearling Snapping Turtles: Rapid Association of Radio Frequency Dependent Pattern of Magnetic Input with Novel Surroundings|journal=PLOS ONE|language=en|volume=10|issue=5|pages=e0124728|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0124728|issn=1932-6203|pmc=4433231|pmid=25978736|bibcode=2015PLoSO..1024728L|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Congdon|first1=Justin D.|last2=Pappas|first2=Michael J.|last3=Krenz|first3=John D.|last4=Brecke|first4=Bruce J.|last5=Schlenner|first5=Meredith|date=2015-02-27|title=Compass Orientation During Dispersal of Freshwater Hatchling Snapp Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii)|journal=Ethology|language=en|volume=121|issue=6|pages=538–547|doi=10.1111/eth.12366|bibcode=2015Ethol.121..538C |issn=0179-1613}}</ref>

This species mates from April through November, with their peak laying season in June and July. The female can hold [[spermatozoa|sperm]] for several seasons, using it as necessary. Females travel over land to find sandy soil in which to lay their eggs, often some distance from the water. After digging a hole, the female typically deposits 25 to 80 eggs each year, guiding them into the [[nest]] with her hind feet and covering them with sand for incubation and protection.<ref name="el.erdc.usace.army.mil">{{Cite web |url=http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/emrrp/turtles/species/comsnap.html |title=US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory: Common Snapping Turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') |access-date=2013-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331020305/http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/emrrp/turtles/species/comsnap.html |archive-date=2013-03-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These eggs have a leathery, flexible shell and they typically measure only 26–28 mm in diameter.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Blackburn |first1=Daniel G. |last2=Lestz |first2=Luisa |last3=Barnes |first3=Madeline S. |last4=Powers |first4=Kathryn G. |date=2019 |title=How do embryonic turtles process yolk? Evidence from the Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina (Chelydridae) |url=http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/10.1139/cjz-2018-0205 |journal=Canadian Journal of Zoology |language=en |volume=97 |issue=6 |pages=495–501 |doi=10.1139/cjz-2018-0205 |issn=0008-4301|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Incubation time is temperature-dependent, ranging from 9 to 18 weeks. One study on the incubation period of the common snapping turtle incubated the eggs at two temperatures: 20&nbsp;°C (68&nbsp;°F) and 30&nbsp;°C (86&nbsp;°F). The research found that the incubation period at the higher temperature was significantly shorter at approximately 63 days, while at the lower temperature the time was approximately 140 days.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Yntema |first=C. L. |date=June 1968 |title=A series of stages in the embryonic development ofChelydra serpentina |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmor.1051250207 |journal=Journal of Morphology |language=en |volume=125 |issue=2 |pages=219–251 |doi=10.1002/jmor.1051250207 |pmid=5681661 |s2cid=37022680 |issn=0362-2525|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In cooler climates, hatchlings overwinter in the nest. The common snapping turtle is remarkably cold-tolerant; radiotelemetry studies have shown some individuals do not hibernate, but remain active under the ice during the winter.<ref name="el.erdc.usace.army.mil"/> In addition to incubation time, temperature also affects sex determination. It has been shown that females develop at low and high temperatures, while males develop in the intermediate temperature range. <ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Schroeder |first1=Anthony L. |last2=Metzger |first2=Kelsey J. |last3=Miller |first3=Alexandra |last4=Rhen |first4=Turk |date=2016 |title=A novel candidate gene for Temperature-Dependent sex determination in the common snapping turtle. |journal=Genetics |volume=203 |issue=1 |pages=557–571 |doi=10.1534/genetics.115.182840 |pmc=4858799 |pmid=26936926}}</ref> Fall temperatures had a positive effect on clutch size and clutch mass, whereas spring temperatures had no impact.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hedrick |first1=A.R. |last2=Klondaris |first2=H.M. |last3=Corichi |first3=L.C. |last4=Dreslik |first4=M.J. |last5=Iverson |first5=J.B. |date=March 2018 |title=The effects of climate on annual variation in reproductive output in Snapping Turtles (''Chelydra serpentina'') |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2016-0321 |journal=Canadian Journal of Zoology |volume=96 |issue=3 |pages=221–228 |doi=10.1139/cjz-2016-0321 |issn=0008-4301|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Common snapping turtle hatchlings have recently been found to make sounds before nest exit onto the surface, a phenomenon also known from species in the South American genus ''[[Podocnemis]]'' and the [[Ouachita map turtle]]. These sounds are mostly "clicking" noises, but other sounds, including those that sound somewhat like a “creak” or rubbing a finger along a fine-toothed comb, are also sometimes produced.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Geller|first1=G.A.|first2=G.S.|last2=Casper|year=2019|title=Late term embryos and hatchlings of Ouachita Map Turtles (Graptemys ouachitensis) make sounds within the nest|journal=Herpetological Review|volume=50|issue=3|pages=449–452}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Geller|first1=G.A.|first2=G.S.|last2=Casper|year=2019|title=Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle) hatchling sounds| journal=Herpetological Review| volume=50| issue=4| pages=768–769}}</ref> 

In the northern part of their range common snapping turtles do not breathe for more than six months because ice covers their hibernating site. These turtles can get oxygen by pushing their head out of the mud and allowing gas exchange to take place through the membranes of their mouth and throat. This is known as extrapulmonary respiration.<ref name="Edqvist">{{cite web|url=http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/snappers.htm|title=Tortoise Trust Web – Conservation and Ecology of Snapping Turtles|first=ULf|last=Edqvist|website=www.tortoisetrust.org|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

If they cannot get enough oxygen through this method they start to utilize anaerobic pathways, burning sugars and fats without the use of oxygen. The metabolic by-products from this process are acidic and create very undesirable side effects by spring, which are known as oxygen debt.<ref name="Edqvist"/> Although designated as "least concern" on the [[IUCN]] redlist, the species has been designated in the Canadian part of its range as "Special Concern" due to its life history being sensitive to disruption by anthropogenic activity.<ref>{{cite web|last=COSEWIC|title=Species Profile – Snapping Turtle|url=http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=1033|work=Species At Risk Public Registry|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=24 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610233749/http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=1033|archive-date=10 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Systematics and taxonomy==
Currently, no [[subspecies]] of the common snapping turtle are recognized.<ref name=Rhodin>{{Anchor|CITEREFRhodin2010}}{{Cite book|url=http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Accounts/crm_5_000_checklist_v3_2010.pdf |title=Turtles of the world, 2010 update: Annotated checklist of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution and conservation status |journal=Chelonian Research Monographs |volume=5 |date=2010-12-14 |author1=Rhodin, Anders G.J. |author2=van Dijk, Peter Paul |author3=Iverson, John B. |author4=Shaffer, H. Bradley |page=000.xx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125632/http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Accounts/crm_5_000_checklist_v3_2010.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-17 |doi=10.3854/crm.5.000.checklist.v3.2010 |isbn=978-0965354097 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The former Florida subspecies ''osceola'' is currently considered a synonym of ''serpentina'', while the other former subspecies ''[[Central American snapping turtle|Chelydra rossignonii]]''<ref>{{cite iucn|author=van Dijk, P.P.|author2=Lee, J.|author3=Calderón Mandujano, R.|author4=Flores-Villela, O.|author5=Lopez-Luna, M.A.|author6=Vogt, R.C.|year=2007|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63660/0|title=''Chelydra rossignoni''|access-date=2009-05-04}}</ref> and ''[[South American snapping turtle|Chelydra acutirostris]]'' are both recognized as full species.<ref name=Rhodin/><ref>[http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species.php?genus=Chelydra&species=serpentina ''Chelydra''], Reptile Database</ref>

== Behavior ==
When they encounter a species unfamiliar to them such as humans, in rare instances, they will become curious and survey the situation and even more rarely may bump their nose on a leg of the person standing in the water. Although common snapping turtles have fierce dispositions,<ref>[http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/snapping_turtle.aspx Snapping Turtle], Encyclopedia.com</ref> when they are encountered in the water or a swimmer approaches, they will slip quietly away from any disturbance or may seek shelter under mud or grass nearby.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

==Relationship with humans==
===As food===
The common snapping turtle is a traditional ingredient in [[turtle soup]]; consumption in large quantities, however, can become a health concern due to potential concentration of toxic environmental pollutants in the turtle's flesh.<ref name="DEEP-ct.gov">{{citation |title=Common Snapping Turtle: Interesting Facts |url=http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2723&q=469200 |website=Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, State of Connecticut |publisher=DEEP (ct.gov) |date=8 November 2016 |access-date=7 October 2017 |mode=cs1}}</ref>

===Captivity===
The common snapping turtle is not an ideal pet. Its neck is very flexible, and a wild turtle can bite its handler even if picked up by the sides of its shell. The claws are as sharp as those of [[bears]] and cannot be trimmed as can dog claws. The turtle uses its paws like a bear for hunting and slicing food, while biting it. Despite this, a common snapping turtle cannot use its claws for either attacking (its legs have no speed or strength in "swiping" motions) or eating (no opposable thumbs), but only as aids for digging and gripping. Veterinary care is best left to a reptile specialist. A wild common snapping turtle will make a hissing sound when it is threatened or encountered, but they prefer not to provoke confrontations.<ref>PlusPets Staff. (2020, October 24). ''Snapping Turtles: A Guide to Owning This Difficult Turtle Breed''. PlusPets. http://pluspets.com/snapping-turtles/</ref>

It is a common misconception that common snapping turtles may be safely picked up by the tail with no harm to the animal; in fact, this has a high chance of injuring the turtle, especially the tail itself and the [[vertebra]]l column.<ref name="blog">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2008/06/24/handling-snapping-turtles-chelydra-serpentina-and-other-large-turtles/|title=Handling Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina, and Other Large Turtles|last=Indiviglio|first=Frank|date=2008-06-24|work=That Reptile Blog|publisher=That Pet Place|access-date=2008-07-20}}</ref> Lifting the turtle with the hands is difficult and dangerous. Snappers can stretch their necks back across their own carapace and to their hind feet on either side to bite. When they feel stressed, they release a musky odor from behind their legs.

It may be tempting to rescue a common snapping turtle found on a road by getting it to bite a stick and then dragging it out of immediate danger. This action can, however, severely scrape the legs and underside of the turtle and lead to deadly infections in the wounds. The safest way to pick up a common snapping turtle is by grasping the carapace behind the back legs, being careful to not grasp the tail. There is a large gap behind the back legs that allows for easy grasping of the carapace and keeps hands safe from both the beak and claws of the turtle. It can also be picked up with a shovel, from the back, making sure the shovel is square across the bottom of the shell. The easiest way, though, is with a blanket or tarp, picking up the corners with the turtle in the middle.{{cn|date=May 2022}}

Common snapping turtles are raised on some [[turtle farm]]s in Mainland China.<ref>Fang Anning (方安宁), "[http://www.gui138.cn/xinwen/gbxw/201007/765.html “小庭院”养殖龟鳖大有赚头] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032241/http://www.gui138.cn/xinwen/gbxw/201007/765.html |date=2016-03-04 }}" (Small-scale turtle farming may be very profitable). ''Zuojiang Daily'' (左江日报) (with photo)</ref>

===In politics===
[[File:Ograbme.jpg|thumb|Political cartoon depicting merchants attempting to dodge the "Ograbme"]]

The common snapping turtle was the central feature of a famous [[United States|American]] [[political cartoon]]. Published in 1808 in protest at the [[Thomas Jefferson|Jeffersonian]] [[Embargo Act of 1807]], the cartoon depicted a common snapping turtle, jaws locked fiercely to an American trader who was attempting to carry a barrel of goods onto a [[United Kingdom|British]] ship. The trader was seen whimsically uttering the words "Oh! this cursed Ograbme" ("[[embargo]]" spelled backwards, and also "O, grab me" as the turtle is doing). This piece is widely considered a pioneering work within the [[genre]] of the modern political cartoon.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

In 2006, the common snapping turtle was declared the [[List of U.S. state reptiles|state reptile]] of [[New York (state)|New York]] by vote of the [[New York Legislature]] after being chosen by the state's public [[elementary school]] children.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/23/nyregion/23ladybug.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|title=A Few Things Lawmakers Can Agree On |last=Medina|first=Jennifer|date=2006-06-23|work=N.Y./Region|publisher=New York Times|access-date=2008-07-20}}</ref>

===Reputation===
[[File:Common Snapping Turtle in Minnesota.jpg|thumb|right|The common snapping turtle uses its large claws for digging, not offense – though the claws can become dangerous when handled by humans]]

While it is widely rumored that common snapping turtles can bite off human fingers or toes, and their powerful jaws are more than capable of doing so, no proven cases have ever been presented for this species, as they use their overall size and strength to deter would-be predators.<ref name="Briggs">{{cite web|url=https://www.oriannesociety.org/faces-of-the-forest/snappers-the-myth-vs-the-turtle/|title=Snappers: The myth vs the turtle|author=Kiley Briggs|work=The Orianne Society|date=July 11, 2018|access-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref> Common snapping turtles are "quite docile" animals underwater that prefer to avoid confrontations rather than provoke them.<ref name="Briggs"/>

The ability to bite forcefully is extremely useful for consuming hard-bodied prey items such as mollusks, crustaceans, and turtles along with some plant matter, like nuts and seeds.<ref>LaGrange, S. M., Kessler, E. J., Li, Z., Morrissiey, F., & Merchant, M. (2023). Bite-Force Scaling across Size Classes in the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) and the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Southeastern Naturalist (Steuben, Me.), 22(sp12), 440–456. https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1228</ref> In 2023, a study done by Lagrange et al. found that the common snapping turtle (''Chelydra serpentina'') registered between 62 and 564 [[Newton (unit)|Newtons]] of force when it came to jaw strength.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=LaGrange |first1=Seth M. |last2=Kessler |first2=Ethan J. |last3=Li |first3=Zhuang |last4=Morrisiey |first4=Flavio |last5=Merchant |first5=Mark |date=14 June 2023 |title=Bite-Force Scaling across Size Classes in the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) and the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) |journal=Southeastern Naturalist |volume=22 |issue=sp12 |doi=10.1656/058.022.0sp1228 |via=BioOne}}</ref> In comparison, the average bite force of a human ([[molars]] area) is between 300 and 700 Newtons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-snapping-turtles-1.3115546|title=7 things you need to know about snapping turtles|publisher=CBC News|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Evolution of bite performance in turtles|author=A. Herrel, J. C. O'Reilly, A. M. Richmond|s2cid=54067445|journal=Journal of Evolutionary Biology|volume=15|issue=6|pages=1083–1094|year=2002|doi=10.1046/j.1420-9101.2002.00459.x|url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/15512/files/PAL_E2915.pdf }}</ref> Another non-closely related species known as the [[alligator snapping turtle]] has been known to bite off fingers, and at least three documented cases are known.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive-srel.uga.edu/outreach/ecoviews/ecoview180624.htm|title=Can a Snapping Turtle bite off a finger?|author=J. Whitfield Gibbons|work=[[University of Georgia]]|date=June 24, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2019|author-link=J. Whitfield Gibbons}}</ref>

==Invasive species==
In recent years in [[Italy]], large mature adult ''C. serpentina'' turtles have been taken from bodies of water throughout the country. They were most probably introduced by the release of unwanted pets. In March 2011, an individual weighing {{convert|20|kg|abbr=on}} was captured in a canal near [[Rome]];<ref>"''Una "azzanatrice" catturata fuori Roma''". (March 17, 2011). ''Corriere della Sera''. Milan. (in Italian).</ref> another individual was captured near Rome in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/photostory/curiosita/2012/09/17/Tartaruga-azzannatrice-presa-Tevere_7489581.html|title=''Tartaruga azzannatrice presa nel Tevere – Photostory Curiosità'' – ANSA.it|website=www.ansa.it|access-date=3 April 2018}} (in Italian).</ref>

In [[Japan]], the species was introduced as an exotic pet in the 1960s; it has been recorded as the source of serious bite injuries.{{cn|date=September 2022}} In 2004 and 2005, some 1,000 individuals were found in [[Chiba Prefecture]], making up the majority of individuals believed to have been introduced.<ref name=thejapantimes>{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/08/05/national/invasive-snapping-turtles-on-the-rise-in-chiba-other-areas/#.WRlKTUHV_qA |title=Invasive snapping turtles on the rise in Chiba, other areas |last=Desaki |first=Yotaro |date=5 August 2014 |publisher=thejapantimes news  |access-date=15 May 2017}}</ref>

==Conservation==
The species is currently classified as [[Least Concern]] by the [[IUCN]], but has declined sufficiently due to pressure from collection for the pet trade and habitat degradation that Canada and several U.S. states have enacted or are proposing stricter conservation measures.<ref name=iucn/> In Canada, it is listed as "Special Concern" in the [[Species at Risk Act]] in 2011 and is a target species for projects that include surveys, identification of major habitats, investigation and mitigation of threats, and education of the public including landowners. Involved bodies include governmental departments, universities, museums, and citizen science projects.<ref>{{cite book|author=Environment and Climate Change Canada|year=2016|title=Management Plan for the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in Canada [Proposed]|series=Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series|publisher=Ottawa, Environment and Climate Change Canada|location=Ottawa|url=https://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/mp_snapping%20turtle_e_proposed.pdf}}</ref>

Although common snapping turtles are listed as a species of least concern, anthropogenic factors still may have major effects on populations. Decades of road mortality may cause severe population decline in common snapping turtle populations present in urbanized wetlands. A study in southwestern Ontario monitored a population near a busy roadway and found a loss of 764 individuals in only 17 years. The population decreased from 941 individuals in 1985 to 177 individuals in 2002. Road mortality may put common snapping turtle populations at risk of extirpation. Exclusion fencing could aid in decreasing population loss.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Piczak |first1=Morgan L. |last2=Markle |first2=Chantel E. |last3=Chow-Fraser |first3=Patricia |date=November 2019 |title=Decades of Road Mortality Cause Severe Decline in a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Population from an Urbanized Wetland |url=https://bioone.org/journals/chelonian-conservation-and-biology/volume-18/issue-2/CCB-1345.1/Decades-of-Road-Mortality-Cause-Severe-Decline-in-a-Common/10.2744/CCB-1345.1.full |journal=Chelonian Conservation and Biology |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=231–240 |doi=10.2744/CCB-1345.1 |s2cid=209338553 |issn=1071-8443|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
*[[John L. Behler|Behler JL]], King FW (1979). ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians''. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. {{ISBN|0-394-50824-6}}. (''Chelydra serpentina'', pp.&nbsp;435–436 + Plates 322–324).
*[[Roger Conant (herpetologist)|Conant R]] (1975). ''A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition''. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. xviii + 429 pp. + Plates 1–48. {{ISBN|0-395-19979-4}} (hardcover), {{ISBN|0-395-19977-8}} (paperback). (''Chelydra serpentina'', pp.&nbsp;37–38 + Plates 5, 11 + Map3). 
*[[:fr:Coleman Jett Goin|Goin CJ]], Goin OB, [[:de:George Robert Zug|Zug GR]] (1978). ''Introduction to Herpetology, Third Edition''. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman and Company. xi + 378 pp. {{ISBN|0-7167-0020-4}}. (''Chelydra serpentina'', pp.&nbsp;122, 142, 258).
*[[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus C]] (1758). ''Systema naturæ per regna tria naturæ, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio Decima, Reformata.'' Stockholm: L. Salvius. 824 pp. (''Testudo serpentina'', new species, p.&nbsp;199). (in Latin).
*[[Hobart Muir Smith|Smith HM]], Brodie ED Jr (1982). ''Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification''. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. {{ISBN|0-307-13666-3}}. (''Chelydra serpentina'', pp.&nbsp;38–39).
*[[Herbert S. Zim|Zim HS]], Smith HM (1956). ''Reptiles and Amphibians: A Guide to Familiar American Species: A Golden Nature Guide''. New York: Simon and Schuster. 160 pp. (''Chelydra serpentina'', pp.&nbsp;19, 24, 155).
* Amtyaz Safi, Hashmi MUA and Smith JP. 2020. A review of distribution, threats, conservation and status of freshwater turtles of Ontario, Canada. Journal of Environmental sciences. 2(1) (2020): 36–41.

==External links==
{{Wikispecies|Chelydra serpentina}}
{{Commons category|Chelydra serpentina}}
*[http://www.chelydra.org The Snapping Turtle Page - www.chelydra.org]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgd_B6iKPxU Video: How to Help a Snapping Turtle Cross a Road], Toronto Zoo
*[https://www.iowaherps.com/species/chelydra_serpentina Snapping Turtle], Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa
{{Chelydridae}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q289435}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chelydra]]
[[Category:Turtles of North America]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Great Lakes region (North America)]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Ontario]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1758]]
[[Category:Symbols of New York (state)]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]