Common Snapping Turtle Hatchling

Description:

Chelydra serpentina have rugged, muscular builds with ridged carapaces (though ridges tend to be more pronounced in younger individuals). The carapace (upper shell) length in adulthood may be nearly 50 cm (20 in), though 25–47 cm (9.8–19 in), is more common. C. serpentina usually weighs 4.5–16 kg (9.9–35 lb). Any specimen above the afforementioned weights are exceptional, but the heaviest wild specimen caught reportedly weighed 34 kg (75 lb). Snapping turtles kept in captivity can be quite overweight due to overfeeding and have weighed as much as 39 kg (86 lb). In the north part of its range, the snapping turtle is often the heaviest native freshwater turtle.

Habitat:

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. Common habitats are shallow ponds, shallow lakes, or streams. Some may inhabit brackish environments, such as estuaries.

Notes:

Found this baby snapper on a dirt road near a small stream and a farmers pond near Hot Springs, Va. It was only about 4" long.