North American Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina — Chelydridae
8–14 inches Can reach up to 20 inches; females typically smaller
How to identify
- Large size, 8–20 inches
- Long tail with saw-toothed ridge on top
- Small cross-shaped plastron
- Rough, keeled carapace, brown to olive to black
- Large head with hooked beak
About this species
The common snapping turtle is one of Virginia's largest freshwater turtles, recognized by its massive head, long saw-toothed tail, and relatively small plastron. Despite their fearsome reputation, snapping turtles are generally docile in the water and only snap when cornered on land. They are important scavengers and help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Often confused with
Did you know
"Snapping turtles breathe through their skin in winter, absorbing dissolved oxygen from the water while buried in mud — a process called cloacal bursae respiration."
Sightings & citizen science
Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.
View North American Snapping Turtle observations on iNaturalist ↗If you've found an injured or displaced North American Snapping Turtle in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.