common snapping turtle
(Chelydra serpentina)
This species is Native to certain parts of the United States but may be invasive to others
Origin
Chelydra serpentina is native to S. Alberta and east to Nova Scotia in Canada, extending south to Texas.
Life Cycle
The common snapping turtle’s smooth shell is large with a serrated back and just longer than their saw-toothed tail. They may weigh up to 75 pounds. The underside of their shell (plastron) is cross shaped and small, exposing their thick legs. Common snapping turtles are solitary and aggressive amongst males. Adults begin reproducing after four to five years. Females crawl onto land, dig a nest, and lay a clutch of 20-40 eggs. Nine to eighteen weeks later, the eggs hatch and hatchlings will return to water.
Distribution
The common snapping turtle has been found in California and other western states.
Control Efforts
Snapping turtles are not established in California. If you capture one please immediately report it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California prohibits the importation, transportation, or possession all species of family Chelyridae per C.C.R. Title 14, § 671.
Chelydra serpentina is native to S. Alberta and east to Nova Scotia in Canada, extending south to Texas.
Life Cycle
The common snapping turtle’s smooth shell is large with a serrated back and just longer than their saw-toothed tail. They may weigh up to 75 pounds. The underside of their shell (plastron) is cross shaped and small, exposing their thick legs. Common snapping turtles are solitary and aggressive amongst males. Adults begin reproducing after four to five years. Females crawl onto land, dig a nest, and lay a clutch of 20-40 eggs. Nine to eighteen weeks later, the eggs hatch and hatchlings will return to water.
Distribution
The common snapping turtle has been found in California and other western states.
Control Efforts
Snapping turtles are not established in California. If you capture one please immediately report it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California prohibits the importation, transportation, or possession all species of family Chelyridae per C.C.R. Title 14, § 671.
Selected Images
Maps
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Suborder: Testudines |
| Family: Chelydridae |
| Genus: Chelydra |
| Chelydra serpentina |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.