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Common snapping turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Description:

The common snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle of the family Chelydridae. Its natural range extends from southeastern Canada, southwest to the edge of the Rocky Mountains, as far east as Nova Scotia and Florida and as far southwest as northeastern Mexico. This species and the larger alligator snapping turtle are the only two species in this family found in North America (though the common snapping turtle, as its name implies, is much more widespread). Common snappers are noted for their belligerent disposition when out of the water, their powerful beak-like jaws, and their highly mobile head and neck (hence the specific name "serpentina", meaning "snake-like"). In some areas they are hunted very heavily for their meat, a popular ingredient in turtle soup. These turtles have lived for up to 47 years in captivity, while the lifespan of wild individuals is estimated to be around 30 years. (information from Wikipedia)

Notes:

I wish this turtle would have broken the surface for a breath so I could have gotten a better shot of its face. I feel fortunate that the water was at least clear enough to see it at all.

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Aaron_G
Spotted by
Aaron_G

Orlando, Florida, USA

Spotted on Mar 21, 2012
Submitted on Apr 22, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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