The slow-moving snapping turtle may not look like a dangerous predator on land, but it's deadly when it's in the water. This aquatic reptile is an expert at setting up underwater ambushes, clasping onto prey and even slicing them in half with its ridged beak. The snapping turtle's appetite is huge-it eats all the time. Its protective shell makes it a tough menu item for other predators.
Snip Snip: This turtle doesn't have teeth, but its beak has ragged ridges that end in a hook, and slices prey like a pair of scissors. Its claws also help the small predator rip large prey into bite-sized chunks.
Secure & Stinky: This turtle can't slip into its shell for protection, which is probably why it developed such an aggressive attitude, especially toward enemies. Plus, the snapper can release a strong, musky odor that smells so horrible it drives attackers away.
All it Can Eat[]
A careless duckling makes a quick snack for the ever-hungry snapping turtle.
When it comes to the dinner menu, the snapping turtle isn't picky, and it will stuff itself until its throat looks like it's about to burst. This turtle likes to lurk on the bottom of a lake or river, where its brown shell helps keep it camouflaged. When it sees a potential meal, it darts out, often toward the surface, to snag a duckling by the legs or slice a small fish in two with its sharp jaws. Other times, the snapper floats near the surface, gobbling up frogs that swim by or the bundles of eggs they leave behind.
Land Rover: The snapper lives almost its entire life underwater, poking only its nose above the surface to take in a breath of air. The animal ventures over land during mating season and when it's about to hibernate, traveling up to one-half mile to find the right spot.
Cleanup Crew: The snapping turtle likes clean up duty; it often crawls along the bottom of a lake or river and gobbles up the remains of any dead creatures it finds, no matter how rotten they are.
Snapped Up[]
- A snapping turtle rests on the bottom of its home lake, keeping its eyes open for a potential meal. The submerged legs of a gallinule grab the turtle's attention as the animal paddles overhead. The predator silently swims up toward its target.
- The snapping turtle snags one of the bird's legs in its tight jaws. The bird, which had no idea the attack was coming, tries desperately to fly away, but the turtle's grip is too strong. The turtle pulls the bird down and begins to eat after it drowns.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The snapping turtle's card number, 66, is exactly double the Alligator Snapping Turtle's card number (33).
- The snapping turtle is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is first used as part of one of the example creatures in Build-A-Beast on Monster Mania 55.
- It is then featured on the Monster Recharge board for Nightmares of Nature on Monster Mania 84.