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Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
42.1497, -87.9993
Field Notes
Description:
From INHS: Large (up to 49 cm CL), aggressive, aquatic turtle with a relatively unpatterned carapace in cryptic shades of brown, olive, gray, or black. Head moderately large, beak moderately hooked, two chin barbels. Liberal covering of tubercles on back of neck. Plastron much reduced, cross-shaped, offering little protection. Legs muscular, feet broad with long claws and extensive webbing between toes. Male grows larger, has thicker tail base, and vent opening behind edge of carapace.
Habitat:
From INHS: Almost any body of water. Shallow, mud-bottomed backwaters and ponds with lush aquatic vegetation are especially favorable.
Notes:
Summer hatchling; rescued from the road and moved to a safe location.
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