Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

摘要

During the summer months, common snapping turtles often can be seen moving from their freshwater habitats to upland areas in search of nesting sites. When egg laying is complete, these turtles move back into water, at which time they can be difficultto spot. Snapping turtles often remain partially submerged in the mud with only their eyes and nostrils protruding above the surface. In this position, their head resembles the head of a basking frog, except darker and more pointed. Unlike other aquaticturtles, snappers are seldom seen basking out of the water. Instead, they usually are only seen with their head and sometimes upper carapace visible at the surface.