Eastern Snapping Turtle
Scientific name
Chelydra serpentina
about the species
The eastern snapping turtle is a large turtle that can be found throughout Missouri. Although some turtles are terrestrial, this snapping turtle is aquatic and can often be found in ponds, wetlands,, and rivers. In the winter, these turtles bury into mud, logs, or other shelter. These turtles are dietary generalists, meaning they eat a variety of food items including insects, carrion, frogs, vegetation including duckweed, and small birds and mammals. Although these turtles sometimes have a bad reputation, research shows that they do not have pronounced negative impacts on ducklings or game fish. Snapping turtles are often roadkill victims, so keep an eye out for these turtles when you’re on the road, especially May-June when females may be traveling to lay eggs. The nests of these turtles may be vulnerable to predation by predators including raccoons and skunks.
conservation status
Least concern. Common in Missouri.
How we’re Studying this species
Snapping turtles can be found around ponds and streams in Forest Park! To track these turtles, we are using radio tags attached to the turtle’s shells. These tags emit a specific frequency that allows us to relocate the turtles and track their movements over time!
