Facts about Common Snapping Turtle

1. 06

   Hatchling common snapping turtles measure only 8-10 millimeters in shell length at birth and take 8-10 years to reach sexual maturity.

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2. 05

   Snappers possess a specialized hinge on their plastron that allows them to close their shell completely, a trait unique among North American turtle species.

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3. 04

   Female common snapping turtles travel up to 5 miles overland to find suitable sandy or soft soil for nesting, often crossing roads during spring migrations.

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4. 03

   During winter hibernation, common snapping turtles can survive up to five months without surfacing for oxygen by extracting dissolved oxygen through their skin and throat lining.

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5. 02

   A snapping turtle's bite force exceeds 1000 pounds per square inch, making it one of the most powerful biters among North American reptiles.

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6. 01

   Chelydra serpentina can live over 47 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching ages comparable to many mammal species.

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