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Breeding Habits of Eastern Snapping Turtles

Eastern (or common) snapping turtles are among the largest and most formidable freshwater turtles in North America, rivaled only by their bigger relative of southern swamps and rivers, the enormous alligator snapper. Their massive heads, relatively small shells and long, spike-topped tails are distinguishing features, as is their size: exceptional specimens may be nearly 20 inches long and weigh more than 70 pounds, though most are much smaller. Inhabitants of murky waterways like marshes, swamps and rivers, snapping turtles serve as important top predators in many aquatic environments across their huge range in central and eastern America.

Mating
- Snapping turtles typically mate between April and November, essentially coinciding with their main activity season in a given area. Male snappers tend to hold a territory by excluding competitors, and upon re-securing their holdings after emergence from hibernation may immediately seek out receptive females. Males may pursue females prior to mating, which consists of the male clambering atop the female's upper carapace, grasping with his claws and seeking out her cloacal opening with his vent. Females have the ability to sequester sperm for extended periods.
Nesting
- A pregnant snapping turtle may undertake a fairly extensive migration to locate a suitable nesting site, which tends to be in a sandy, sunlit area. This usually occurs around June. While nests are often situated near water, females may travel well away from rivers and marshes on their nesting journey, sometimes encountered doggedly marching through upland woods. When she identifies a good spot, the turtle digs out a hole and lays dozens of eggs inside. She then returns to her favored water source, exhibiting no further parental care. Eggs are nearly round, encased in hard, white shells.
Nest Predators
- American badgers are among the creatures that will dig up snapping-turtle nests.
  
  Eggs may take 18 weeks to hatch, depending on weather conditions. Because the adult snapping turtles do not actively guard their nests, the eggs -- and hatchling turtles -- are vulnerable to a host of intrepid predators. Raccoons commonly roam wetlands in search of turtle nests, and American badgers will put their formidable digging skills to work if they detect a buried clutch.
Hatchlings
- Young snapping turtles resemble exaggerated versions of adults.
  
  Quite small when born, baby snapping turtles may fall victim to any number of creatures, from great blue herons and largemouth bass to mink, foxes and crows. In appearance they resemble exaggerated versions of the adult form, with huge heads and tiny bodies equipped with whip-like tails. Once a snapper reaches adult size, it fears few predators, thanks to its armor, imposing jaws and tenacious disposition.

Animals & Science