Common snapping turtle

Common snapping turtle. This was an interesting spotting because this common snapping turtle had just finished laying eggs and covering them up. It is a large freshwater turtle. This species and the larger alligator snapping turtle are the only two species in this family found in North America. 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. These turtles have lived for up to 47 years in captivity. Snappers will travel extensively overland to reach new habitat or to lay eggs.