Snappers are unusual
Their heads and paw-like claws are so big in proportion to their body, they cannot retract limbs or head into their shells! It's a strange turtle design by nature. Most of the time they are just shy.
Saving just one snapper is important
Saving a snapper turtle is important to their population.
Other turtles start reproducing in 3-4 years. But snappers need to live a few decades before they can lay eggs. So if an adult snapper gets killed, it will take decades to replace her as an egg-layer.
My rescue was probably around 10 years old. They can live up to 50 years.
Snappers can be aggressive
Snappers are usually quiet, but when they are outside their element, watch out! They belong in the lake or on the pond bottom, where they cruise for carrion or fish. I think they can be highly vegetarian too.
They don't have teeth, just beak-like jaws shaped to pierce and break pieces from food.
They are my favorite turtles!
©2004 Rich Bergins
