Reptiles of North Carolina
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Sole representative of Chelydridae in NC
NC Records

Chelydra serpentina - Snapping Turtle


Photo: J. Thomson
Photo: J. Mickey
Photo: j.wyche
Photo: Steve Hall
Taxonomy
Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Chelydridae Other Common Name(s): Common Snapping Turtle
Taxonomic Comments: Chelydra serpentina is one of three species now recognized in this genus (The Reptile Database, accessed 2023-02-13), all of which occur in the New World. Also included in the family Chelydridae are two species of Malaclemys, both restricted to the Southeast. Only Chelydra serpentina occurs in North Carolina.
Species Comments: Two subspecies were previously recognized but are treated as synonyms by SSAR (2016)
Identification
Description: Both juveniles and adults of this tank-line turtle are unmistakable and records can be based on good quality photographs showing either a dorsal or ventral view of the shell.
Field Marks: Snapping Turtles are gray, tan, or dark brown with no distinctive markings either on the shell or body. Morphological features provide the main way to identify this species.
Morphological Features: The rear of the carapace has a three jagged keels and a strongly serrated rear edge. The plastron is small and cross-shaped and the tail is one half or more as long as the carapace. The head is distinctively large, has a sharp beak, and a pair of ventral barbels; it cannot be withdrawn completely within the shell. The claws are strongly developed on all feet. This species is our most massive freshwater turtle. Maximum lengths in North Carolina are 16.9" (429mm) males; and 14.4" (366mm), females (Palmer and Braswell, 1995). Largest weights are 49 lbs (22.3kg), males; 21 lbs (9.56kg), females.
Technical Reference: Palmer and Braswell (1995); Ernst and Lovich (2009)
Field Guide Descriptions: Beane et al. (2010); Powell et al. (2016)
Online Photos:    Google   iNaturalist   GBIF
Observation Methods: This species normally stays largely submerged and rarely hauls out to bask on logs; consequently, it can be difficult to spot visually. It is readily captured in turtle traps, however. Individuals -- including very large adults as well as juveniles -- are sometimes encountered making overland excursions. When found, it should be recognized that this species has a powerful bite and very strong claws; they need to be handled with caution, if at all.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution Comments: This species occurs across the state, from the high mountains (up to 4,888') to the barrier islands.
Distribution Reference: Palmer and Braswell (1995); NCMNS Herpetology Collection Database (accessed 2023-01)
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Key Habitat Requirements
Habitat: Snapping turtles are found in nearly all permanent bodies of fresh water in the state except high elevation mountain streams. Habitats include ponds, large lakes, streams, rivers, and swamps. Brackish waters are entered in some coastal marshes but otherwise are not regularly used.
Environmental and Physiological Tolerances: This species can be active during the winter and temperature -- either cold or warm -- does not appear to be a limiting factor for this species in North Carolina. Snapping Turtles are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, ranging from fresh to somewhat brackish, clear to turbid, brownwater to blackwater. It is also tolerant of at least somewhat polluted waters.
Adaptations to Natural Disturbances: Although highly aquatic, this species is capable of making extensive trips overland and can leave shallow wetlands when they begin to dry up.
Biotic Relationships: Snapping Turtles are omnivores, feeding on a wide range of animals -- both invertebrate and vertebrate -- plants, and carrion. Eggs and juveniles are preyed upon by a number of predatory birds and mammals. Large adults are vulnerable only to Alligators, although otters may attack them during the winter (Buhlman et al., 2008).
Life History and Autecology
Aquatic Life History: Snapping Turtles occupy relatively permanent home ranges with some shifts between years observed in some individuals (Obbard and Brooks, 1981). The home ranges of different individuals overlap and no evidence of territoriality appears to exist; fighting between individuals, however, has been observed, and dominance hierarchies may be formed.
Terrestrial Life History: Overland movements can be extensive, both in juveniles and adults. Juveniles are sometimes found in small puddles far from the nearest pond or stream (Hall, pers. obs.).
General Ecology
Community Ecology: This large, abundant species is an important predator and scavenger in many permanent water bodies.
Adverse Environmental Impacts
Habitat Fragmentation: Roads constitute significant barriers to overland movements in this species. However, movements within streams may be little affected and reservoirs are probably insignificant as barriers to this species.
Status in North Carolina
NHP State Rank: S5
Global Rank: G5
Status Comments: This species occupies such a wide range of habitats, is so widely distributed that it appears to be secure within the state. Some habitat fragmentation due to road construction may limit its ability to move between river basins, although its tolerance for brackish water probably allows some degree of interchange where rivers enter the sounds.

Photo Gallery for Chelydra serpentina - Snapping Turtle

77 photos are available. Only the most recent 30 are shown.

Recorded by: Bobbi Wolff
New Hanover Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: R. Spainhour, M. Mabe, R. Browder
Surry Co.
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Recorded by: Travis McLain
Transylvania Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Savannah Hall, Dee Stuckey, and Steve Hall
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: Travis McLain
Cabarrus Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Travis McLain
Cabarrus Co.
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Recorded by: Steve Hall
Orange Co.
Comment: Interacting pair; possibly attempting to mate		Recorded by: Steve Hall
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: C. Teague
Beaufort Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: L. Eckart
Carteret Co.
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Recorded by: C. Teague
Beaufort Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: J. Mickey
Surry Co.
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Recorded by: Taz Blackley
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: K. Sanford
Gates Co.
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Recorded by: Hunter Phillips
Onslow Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: R. Newman
Carteret Co.
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Recorded by: M. Griffin
Burke Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther
Jones Co.
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Recorded by: J. Mickey
Wilkes Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: R. Evans
Onslow Co.
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Recorded by: J. Thomson
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: C. Taunton
Wake Co.
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Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther
Craven Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: W. Ruark, N. Greene, V. Jones, T. Kittle
Iredell Co.
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Recorded by: Roger Sanders
Ashe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: A. Early
Stanly Co.
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Recorded by: K. Sanford, J. Hiatt
Camden Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: M. Strnad
Beaufort Co.
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Recorded by: N. Crider
Beaufort Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: B. Anderson
Wake Co.
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