Identification-  8-14 in.  A large, impressive species usually brown or gray.  Typically weigh 10-30 pounds.  Large head, hooked beak, enlarged scales on feet and a row of scales on long tail readily identify this turtle.  Saw toothed rear edge of carapace.   Plastron reduced.  Young are similar to adults, but strongly keeled.

Range-  Found statewide in appropriate habitat.

Habitat-  Any manner of stagnant or running water, although preferring non flowing waters.  Lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, backwaters, and even temporary pools all typically have Snapping Turtles.  Will enter brackish waters.

Reproduction-  Mates throughout the active season.  Peak egg laying season is mid-June.  Lays a large number (25-50) round, hard shelled eggs.  Hatchlings may appear as little as two months later, but may take longer depending on temperature.  Peak hatching time is late summer/early fall.  Young may overwinter in nest.

General Characteristics-
    "Snappers", as they are locally known, are one of our most common species, nearly every body of water has them, but they are seldom seen.  Their nocturnal habits and fully aquatic nature keep them out of sight of humans.  Females may be seen at egg laying time as they wander on land searching for a nest site.  Many are then killed by humans.  Nesting sites are often quite some distance from water.  Although they live up to their name when on land, Snapping Turtles are often quite calm in the water, seldom striking, preferring to swim away.  When handled they exude an odiferous musk.  Snappers often spend their days lying buried in the mud with just the eyes and nostrils exposed.  Size is often exaggerated.  The record Snapping Turtle had a shell length of only 19" although people always swear they've seen them bigger.  Snapping Turtles subsist on invertebrates, fish, reptiles, small mammals, and carrion.  They also eat a large amount of vegetation.  Although they are loathed in ponds and rivers for their perceived impact on ducks and game fish, Snapping Turtles have virtually no impact on duck and fish populations when compared to those taken by humans.