snapping turtle

The worlds oldest species! The Snapping turtle has not evolved since the dinosaur age- it is our only living dinosaur.

Note that Snapping turtles are top predators in the water and can be surprisingly gentle when in water- they are more interested in eating dead fish and smelly things than a large live human. For more information on their behaviour visit our page: Snapping turtles and your lake

I.D. Features:

• Rough brown-olive to dark green carapace (upper shell)
• Largest Turtle-unmistakable features- large thick legs and toes with sharp claws
• This is the only turtle with a very small plasteron (under-shell) so they cannot pull their legs and arms in to hide- thus the snapping on land to protect themselves
• Pointed jaw-tooth
• Rough ridges on tail and carapace

• Very tolerant of many diverse habitats from lakes, to ponds and marshes
• Prefers dead decaying fish and amphibians
• Will eat live small fish, snails, and mussels

Range:

Snapping turtles are prolific and found throughout most of southern and central Ontario, and extending northwards too.