Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)The common snapping turtle is our largest and most widely distributed freshwater turtle. It has a long stegosaurus-like tail with a jagged upper surface, a stout head with a sharp hooked beak, an olive-green to black carapace that is jagged toward the tail end, and prominent claws on all four feet. These turtles can be large, exceeding 14 inches straight-line carapace (upper shell) length and weighing up to 45 pounds. On the underside, the plastron is yellow or grayish, and quite narrow relative to other turtles, frequently giving the appearance that the turtle has outgrown its shell. Although adult males tend to be slightly larger than females, they can be difficult to distinguish. Male snapping turtles can reach sexual maturity at the age of 4 or 5 years, while females mature several years later. In several studies, average adult life spans of 20 to 30 years have been documented, with some females living as long as 40 years.
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