Turtles

Common Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

20.3-36 cm; record 49.4cm
4.5-16kg; record 32kg snapping turtle once lived at Toronto Zoo
Carapace is light brown to black
young turtles have three longitudinal keels; older turtles almost smooth
Plastron is yellowish, small and cross-shaped; legs and skin not well protected
Large head, two barbels on neck
Head, limbs and tail are brown
Tail is same length or longer than carapace with "dinosaur-like" triangular scales projecting from the upper side.
Only aggressive when threatened on land
Will swim away from danger and people when in the water
Lays 20-40 round, ping-pong ball-like eggs
SPECIAL CONCERN