The Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) by A. Karuna Lohmann
Every year, the Narrow River Preservation Association chooses a different mascot to feature on their Narrow River Turnaround Swim merchandise. This year’s mascot is the snapping turtle. Having remained nearly unchanged for around 260 million years, the turtle species, including the snapping turtle, is like a living fossil; one that exists all over Rhode Island, for everyone to see!
The species of snapping turtle found in Rhode Island is the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), which also inhabits Canada and parts of South America. It is mainly aquatic and is found in many bodies of fresh or brackish water, including rivers, lakes and marshes. The Common Snapping Turtle is both an omnivore and a scavenger; its diet consists of fish, aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates, birds, carrion, and plants. As a scavenger, it is integral to ecosystems because it keeps bodies of water clean by consuming rotting animal remains (Gotte et al.)
The snapping turtle is the biggest turtle species in Rhode Island. It can grow to around a foot long and can weigh more than 35 pounds (Gannon)! Its skin is black, brown or tan, while its carapace is dark green or black. The snapping turtle’s Latin name, Chelydra serpentina, or “tortoise snake”, is named in honor of the turtle’s long, serrated, snake-like tail (“Common Snapping Turtle Fun Facts”). Although the snapping turtle and the eastern musk turtle have a similar appearance, they can be differentiated by their size and markings. The snapping turtle is larger than the musk turtle, and the musk turtle has identifying white markings on its face.
To survive the cold winter temperatures, the snapping turtle brumates. Similar to hibernation, brumation involves the slowing down of metabolism and heart rate to conserve energy. In the spring, the snapping turtle basks in the sun and seeks out nesting sites, where it will lay eggs – typically 1 – 2 clutches, or rounds, of 11 – 83 eggs – in late spring or early summer (Gannon). In late summer or early fall, the eggs hatch, and dozens of little turtles peep out of the nest and make their way to a new home, sometimes crossing roads in the process.
Since it takes a long time, around 5 – 7 years, for turtles to become sexually mature, and turtle populations are often isolated by roads or other development, the death of even a single individual can impact a whole population. Therefore, it is vital to be aware while you are driving, especially during months when turtles are active. If you see a snapping turtle crossing the road, you can use a nearby object like a stick to gently guide it across the road to safety, rather than picking it up by its tail, which can injure it. By being on the lookout for turtles while driving and helping them to cross roads safely, you can help to preserve the future of this ancient and ecologically vital species.
Works Cited
“Common Snapping Turtle Fun Facts.” Cook Museum of Natural Science, 9 July 2020, www.cookmuseum.org/common-snapping-turtle-fun-facts/.
Gannon, Mary. Turtles of Rhode Island.
Gotte, Steve W., et al. Information Bulletin the Snapping Turtle: An Important Component of North American Wetlands. 1994.
“Snapping Turtle | Description & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/animal/snapping-turtle#ref187481. Accessed 2 May 2025.
