How Fast Does a Snapping Turtle Grow?

Common Snapping Turtle

Snapping turtles are a member of the Chelydridae turtle family. While there are seven extinct types of Chelydridae, there are two extant species of this reptile:

  • Chelydra (common snapping turtle) – has three subspecies across three primary locations
  • Macrochelys – which includes the larger freshwater alligator snapping turtle

These turtles can be found across sections of the United States that are situated to the east of the Rockies, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Note, however, that snapping turtles have been introduced in certain western parts of the U.S. and have done very well.

The snapping turtle is recognized to be nearly entirely aquatic and nocturnal. Snapping turtles spend most of their time under water. They are usually found in various habitats, with a strong preference for slow-moving water that includes a soft, sandy, or muddy bottom. Examples of these water-filled areas include:

  • Marshes
  • Bogs
  • Swamps
  • Rivers
  • Impoundments
  • Streams, to name a few.

Snapping turtles also have the ability to tolerate mixtures of fresh and seawater – known as brackish water. They are also omnivores, feasting, when in the wild, on everything from plants (which accounts for about 33% of its diet) to small insects and small mammals that include –

  • Spiders
  • Worms
  • Frogs
  • Fish
  • Birds
  • Snakes
  • Crayfish, to name a few.

The age of a snapping turtle determines how a snapping turtle will forage for food. Younger turtles move more quickly (and more often) than older snappers. The older turtles tend to remain motionless, ambushing their prey by lunging forward quickly, using their powerful jaws. The snapping turtle’s dark-colored skin, with its moss-covered shell(carapace), combine to create the perfect cover to lie in and wait for their prey.

How Fast Does a Snapping Turtle Grow?

During their first few years of growth, snapping turtles grow about three inches. But, as they grow into adulthood, their growth slows to about one inch per year until the snapping turtle matures and reaches full size. Generally, the Chelydra type of turtles will exhibit these growth patterns –

  • Male snapping turtles will grow to 10 to 12 inches
  • Female snapping turtles are a bit larger – an average of 12 to 14 inches when mature.

Note, however, that the Alligator Snapping Turtle can reach 32 inches in length when mature. The average weight of an Alligator Snapping Turtle is approximately 150 pounds. However, the yearly growth or size at maturity of a snapping turtle can be significantly impacted by several factors.

How a Snapping Turtle’s Diet Influences Its Growth Rate

A snapping turtle’s diet is likely the biggest factor that impacts its growth rate. The reality is that without a proper diet, a snapping turtle will not reach its maximum rate of growth.

As omnivorous creatures, snapping turtles have a large variety of food options. For snapping turtles that are not living in the wild, a diet that includes the following is recommended –

  • Meat or Fish
  • Insects or Worms
  • Fruits or Vegetables
  • Aquatic plants, among others.

While all the above foods offer important nutrients for the growth of a snapping turtle, the most important is protein. Protein is the primary nutrient that helps the snapping turtle grow and develop a healthy, protective shell.

Can You Determine the Age of a Snapping Turtle Based on Its Size?

Snapping turtles have a long lifespan and a somewhat regular growth pattern in a narrow size distribution range. The common snapping turtle has the potential to live up to 75 years (averaging 30 -45 years in the wild), while the Alligator Snapping Turtle can live more than one hundred years. Studies have shown that:

  • The age and size correlation is reflected more when snapping turtles are young – hatchlings or juveniles. The existing correlation weakens as the snapping turtle nears or approaches maturity and later years.
  • Male snapping turtles grow faster than their female counterparts. In fact, male snappers develop at an accelerated pace when aged 5 to 7 and continue for several decades.
  • Female snapping turtles’ growth rates fall significantly after the age of 20.

Determine & Count the Snapping Turtle’s Annuli Rings

Similar to trees, snapping turtles create growth rings each year, a fact that surprises many. The rings found on a snapping turtle’s scutes have been shown to correlate with its growth and, therefore, its age. In other words, as the turtle grows, so will the snapping turtle’s annuli rings.

Each year, a turtle will form two new rings on its scute – one that is narrow and light (formed during lean winter months) and another that is more visible and thicker (formed during spring when food is abundant). As such, each pair reflects one year of turtle growth. Simply count the rings and then divide by two to approximate the snapping turtle’s age. While this gives a great approximation, as the turtle ages, the rings tend to overlap, which makes it challenging to count accurately.

The Snapping Turtle’s Skeletology

Scientific observations note that there are subtle growth rings on the bones of semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles. These rings can be used to help estimate a snapping turtle’s approximate age.

The Take-Away

The snapping turtle tends to be a docile creature when in the water; however, they can become aggressive when found during the breeding season. During this season, the snapping turtle travels across the land in areas they are not usually found.

If you encounter a snapping turtle in your path or yard, give it the respect it deserves. Remember, they have powerful jaws that are sharp, so it is best to keep pets and children at a safe distance.

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