The Snapping Turtle
Of the two species of snapping turtles in the United States, the Alligator Snapping Turtle is located in the state of Florida. The other species, named simply Snapping Turtle, is located everywhere else east of just east of the Rocky Mountains, except in northern Maine, where it has questionable residency.
Having an average length of up to a foot, and a weight of 1 - 35 pounds, the largest snapping turtles have been over a foot-and-a-half long and weighed up to 86 pounds. These monster turtles have been fattened in captivity.
To me, they are ugly in appearance as well as in disposition. With a turtle being defined as a reptile having a shell and four limbs, the shell of a snapping turtle is notched, as well as the top of the tail. It has
powerful hooked jaws.
Turtles, as a rule, do not have a good sense of hearing, but do smell and see quite well. The snapping turtle has eyes that can be seen from directly above, giving it a great field of visions, considering its shell can be a visual obstruction.
Rarely basking in the sun as other turtles often do, the snapping turtle can occupy any permanent body of fresh water. It prefers having mud. They are seen often on land. Being omnivores, they will eat fish, birds, reptiles, mammals, and an amazing amount of vegetation, as well small aquatic invertebrates. The snapping turtle often lies in wait and then lunges at its prey, snapping it with its strong jaws. Being a hibernator, it will often winter in beaver lodges.
This turtle lays from 5 to 80 eggs, with 25 being the average. These eggs have been described as resembling Ping-Pong balls. They are laid in holes about 6 inches deep, often on gravel roads or road shoulders. Incubation is roughly 12 - 16 weeks. The snapping turtle can live up to 20 years.
Many believe the snapping turtle is excellent table fare. It can be fried, baked, roasted, or used in soups. It has a slight fish taste. Some say that if you like frog legs, you will like turtle. Recipes are available in various wild-game cookbooks.
