Characteristics:
     This is a large turtle. Carapace length of 1.5ft and weighing up to 35lbs! They are usually gray or brown, often with algae and mud on the shell. The back of the carapace is serrated. Their tail is long with rows of spikes on it. This turtle has a large head and a long neck.

*Note: The snapping turtle in this area are considered to be the subspecies; common snapping turtle (C. s. serpentina)

Habitat:
   Anywhere with a permanent water source. They prefer a muddy bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation.


Behavior:
     A rather intimidating turtle. When approached out of the water they will lunge and bite fiercely. This is quite the opposite if encountered in the water, where they are very passive and not aggressive at all. This is an aquatic turtle, but they are often seen crossing roads in the spring during nesting season. They eat a wide variety of foods including invertebrates, fish, and plants. The snapping turtle is considered a game animal throughout much of its range. It is commonly collected by people for food. As of now, populations do not appear to be threatened by this, but hunting is monitored in most states.

Personal Remarks:
    These guys are HUGE! They are so awesome to see when full grown, but I can't even begin to imagine how bad it would hurt to get bitten by one this size. They have a seriously powerful bite. Snapping turtles are a pretty easy find in this area if you know how to look. Feeling around in the muddy bottom of a pond is probably the best way. It is hard to miss an adult snapping turtle even when feeling around in the mud blindly.