Reptiles of North Carolina

Scientific Name:	Common Name:		Family (Alpha):

NC Records
Sole representative of Chelydridae in NC
Chelydra serpentina - North American 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

- 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 The head is distinctively large, has a sharp beak, and a pair of ventral barbels; it cannot be withdrawn completely within the shell.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 - North American Snapping Turtle		98 photos are available. Only the most recent 30 are shown.
	Recorded by: Andrew W. Jones Polk Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Andrew W. Jones Polk Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Stephanie Willis Guilford Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Stephanie Willis Guilford Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Stephanie Willis Guilford Co. Comment:	Recorded by: B. Leon-Rossi Rockingham Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: J. Mickey Wilkes Co. Comment:	Recorded by: R. Newman Carteret Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: S.Coffman Dare Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Carol Ann McCormick Alamance Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: J. Debro Halifax Co. Comment:	Recorded by: K. Sanford, A. Brown, C. Griffin Camden Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Andrew W. Jones, M. Garrett McCarson Haywood Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Andrew W. Jones, M. Garrett McCarson Haywood Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Stephanie Willis Guilford Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Stephanie Willis Guilford Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Stephanie Willis Guilford Co. Comment:	Recorded by: K. Sanford Camden Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: K. Bischof Transylvania Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Bobbi Wolff New Hanover Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Terrell Tucker Moore Co. Comment:	Recorded by: R. Spainhour, M. Mabe, R. Browder Surry Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Travis McLain Transylvania Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Savannah Hall, Dee Stuckey, and Steve Hall Orange Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Travis McLain Cabarrus Co. Comment:	Recorded by: Travis McLain Cabarrus Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Steve Hall Orange Co. Comment: Interacting pair; possibly attempting to mate	Recorded by: Steve Hall Orange Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: C. Teague Beaufort Co. Comment:	Recorded by: L. Eckart Carteret Co. Comment:

Chelydra serpentina - North American Snapping Turtle

Photo Gallery for Chelydra serpentina - North American Snapping Turtle

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