The snapping turtle (Chelydra s.serpentine) is the largest freshwater turtle in Blackstone Heritage Corridor.  It can grow to over 18 inches in length and weigh more than 40 pounds.  The snapping turtle has a keen sense of smell and primarily eats fish, amphibians and other water creatures.  It has a greenish cast to its otherwise brown shell (carapace) due to algae growth.

Rarely seen on land, snapping turtles usually inhabit shallow lakes and streams with lots of plants.  When in water, the snapping turtle is shy of humans and will swim away quietly.  It will come onto land in June and July to lay eggs.  Since the underside of its body (plastron) is smaller than the carapace, the snapping turtle cannot protect itself by drawing completely into its shell.  Snapping turtles have a powerful, beak-like jaw with an agile neck and head.  So when it is out of water it can be dangerous.