ABSTRACT
This chapter describes four subspecies of snapping turtles (Chelydra). Two do not occur in the US This example is designed for the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), but should be useful for all subspecies as well as many other aquatic turtles. Snapping turtles are one of the more aquatic species. They rarely bask or leave water. Nesting season, which generally peaks in June, is the exception. Most nesting occurs within several hundred meters of water and is in sandy or other loosely constructed soil. Land movements are related to emigration from drying habitat or simply pioneering for new territory. Snappers will also leave habitat with a rapidly rising water level.
