Amphibians and reptiles of Ontario
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Description:
- 20 - 40 cm, largest turtle in Ontario
- carapace is dark brown to black, plastron is yellow to tan
- long tail with a row of large scales
- massive head with powerful, hooked jaw
Habitat:
- lakes and permanent ponds, preferably with a muddy bottom
Conservation concerns, distribution and status:
- common and widespread in southern and central Ontario
Potential
climatic domain map
(2441 observations in ONHIC database; 1238 observations
used in analysis)