Common Snapping Turtle - Behavior

Behavior

Snapping turtles have "fierce" dispositions; however, when encountered in the water, they usually slip quietly away from any disturbance. Snapping turtles have evolved the ability to snap because unlike other turtles, they are too large to hide in their own shells when confronted. Snapping is their defense mechanism. However, these turtles rarely bite humans; they usually flee when threatened.

The snapper is an aquatic ambush hunter, capturing its prey with its beak-like jaws.

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