Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Statewide and common in NC, it's wise not to try to pet these fellas.

	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Dare Co., NC 21 May 2004 Aggressive turtles with powerful jaws, snappers can grow to over 60 pounds. They can be found in many freshwater (and occasionally brackish water) habitats across North Carolina.
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Dare Co., NC 21 May 2004 Distinctive large head and "spiked" tail, snappers feed on a wide variety of invertebrates, small vertebrates, and aquatic plants.

	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Dare Co., NC 26 May 2006 With Yellow-bellied Sliders begging for handouts along the boardwalk at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Dare Co., NC 26 May 2006
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Dare Co., NC 7 Nov 2009

	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Crossing road in south Nags Head, Dare Co., NC 6 Nov 2008 This medium-sized snapper (~12 inch shell length) was moving from one ditch to another.
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Crossing road in south Nags Head, Dare Co., NC 6 Nov 2008
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Crossing road in south Nags Head, Dare Co., NC 6 Nov 2008

	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Wake Co., NC 20 June 2009 This cutie was about 23 pounds if I remember correctly.
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Wake Co., NC 20 June 2009
	Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Wake Co., NC 20 June 2009

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Created on ... June 2, 2004 | Updated ... July 13, 2006 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com