The Snapping Turtle: Understanding Their Powerful Bite And Potential Dangers

how much damage can a snapping turtle do

The snapping turtle is an intimidating creature with its sharp beak, spiked shell, and dangerous-looking claws. While they are not typically aggressive, they will snap if provoked. In the water, they are usually calm and docile, but they can be more feisty on land. They are also very fast, able to strike at threats in the blink of an eye. This is how they got their name. While snapping turtles rarely attack, their bites are powerful and can cause serious injuries. So, how much damage can a snapping turtle do?

Characteristics Values
Aggressiveness Common snapping turtles are considerably more aggressive than alligator snapping turtles. They are not generally aggressive and are usually calm and docile in water. However, they can be a bit more feisty on land.
Size Common snapping turtles usually reach sizes between 12 and 15 inches, but some specimens can be bigger, up to 19 inches. Alligator snapping turtles are considerably bigger, ranging from 15 to 26 inches, with the biggest known reaching 31.5 inches.
Weight Common snapping turtles weigh between 8 and 35 pounds, with some weighing up to 40 pounds. Alligator snapping turtles weigh between 8.8 and 176 pounds.
Shell Common snapping turtles have a light-coloured, smooth shell. Alligator snapping turtles have a black shell with large spikes.
Habitat Snapping turtles are almost entirely aquatic and prefer shallow waters with muddy or sandy bottoms.
Diet Snapping turtles are omnivores. They feed on plants, insects, fish, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and other turtles.
Bite Force The average bite force of a common snapping turtle is around 210 Newtons, while an alligator snapping turtle's bite force is around 160 Newtons.
Danger to Humans Snapping turtles are not out to kill humans and will only bite when they feel threatened. While they are capable of biting off fingers, most bites are not serious and do not cause much damage.

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The average bite force of a common snapping turtle is 210 Newtons

The common snapping turtle is an impressive creature, and its bite is not to be underestimated. With a bite force of 210 Newtons, it's true that these turtles are capable of inflicting serious harm on humans. However, it's important to remember that they are not mindless beasts that will attack anything that moves. In fact, snapping turtles are quite docile underwater and will usually flee from disturbances.

The common snapping turtle's powerful jaws and sharp beak-like mouth are perfectly adapted for hunting and consuming hard-bodied prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, and turtles, as well as some plant matter like nuts and seeds. Their hunting strategy involves ambushing prey by lunging forward with their heads at high speed, seizing their target with those powerful jaws. This strategy is particularly effective given their preferred habitat of shallow waters with muddy or sandy bottoms and abundant vegetation, where they can hide and lie in wait for unsuspecting prey.

While the common snapping turtle is smaller than its cousin, the alligator snapping turtle, it is far more aggressive. If a common snapping turtle perceives even a slight possibility of danger, it will immediately launch an attack. This behaviour is due in part to its anatomy. Unlike other turtles, snapping turtles cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells for protection. Their shells are simply too small. The carapace (upper shell) and plastron (bottom shell) leave their bodies vulnerable, so their best defence is a good offence.

Despite their fearsome reputation, there are no recorded deaths caused by snapping turtles. They only bite humans when they feel threatened, and even then, most bites are not serious. That being said, a snapping turtle bite can cause lacerations and, in rare cases, can sever fingers. The real danger in a bite lies in the potential for infection, as turtles carry a host of bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek medical attention after a snapping turtle bite, even if the wound appears minor.

So, while the average bite force of a common snapping turtle, at 210 Newtons, may not be as strong as that of a human (1300 Newtons), it is still capable of causing significant harm. However, this force is focused on their sharp beak, much like the blade of a paper cutter, allowing them to easily tear through flesh. This combination of bite force and sharp beak, along with their hunting strategy, makes the common snapping turtle a formidable predator in its aquatic habitat.

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They can bite a human finger clean off

While there are no recorded deaths caused by snapping turtles, they do have sharp beaks and a powerful bite force that can cleanly bite off a human finger.

Snapping turtles are not aggressive by nature and will only bite humans when they feel threatened or afraid. They are more likely to give you a lacerating bite than severing a finger, but even in a worst-case scenario, blood loss from a lost finger would be the biggest danger.

The average bite force of a common snapping turtle is around 210 Newtons (47 pounds-force), while the bite force of an alligator snapping turtle is around 160 Newtons (36 pounds-force). To put this into context, the average human bite force is 1,100 Newtons.

The snapping turtle's bite force is enhanced by its sharp beak, which is made of keratin—the same material as our fingernails and hair. This sharp beak can easily cut through human flesh and, in some cases, even sever a finger.

If you encounter a snapping turtle, it is best to give it a wide berth, especially when it is on land. While these turtles are typically docile in water, they can become aggressive on land, particularly during their breeding season.

To avoid being bitten by a snapping turtle, it is important to keep your fingers and toes away from its mouth. Do not feed a snapping turtle with your hands, and avoid wearing slippers or any footwear that exposes your toes. If you must handle a snapping turtle, do so with extreme care, as even a well-fed turtle may bite if it feels stressed or threatened.

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They are not out to kill you

While snapping turtles have a reputation for being aggressive, they are not out to kill you. In fact, there are no recorded deaths caused by snapping turtles.

Snapping turtles are generally calm and docile in water and are not considered a danger to swimmers. They will only bite humans when they feel threatened or afraid. In water, if a human approaches, a snapping turtle will typically swim away.

However, snapping turtles are more aggressive on land. This is because they are more vulnerable outside of their aquatic environment. Unlike other turtles, snapping turtles cannot retract into their shells when they feel under threat. Their shells are too small to efficiently cover their bodies, leaving their heads and limbs exposed. Therefore, when confronted with danger, snapping turtles will charge at the attacker and try to hurt or scare them.

Snapping turtles can be dangerous, and they have been known to bite off human fingers. However, they are not simple-minded animals that will attack everything in sight. If you give them space, you are guaranteed not to be on the receiving end of their trademark 'snap'.

If you do encounter a snapping turtle, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. If you find one in your yard, treat it with respect and keep children and pets away until it has finished laying its eggs and left the area.

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They are more dangerous than alligator snapping turtles

There are two species of snapping turtles: the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. While both are known for their strong jaws and aggressive nature, the former is considered more dangerous.

The common snapping turtle is the most widespread species, found in almost the entirety of the eastern half of the United States and parts of Mexico. It is also smaller than its counterpart, typically reaching sizes between 12 and 15 inches, but some specimens can grow up to 19 inches in length. The common snapping turtle has a rough appearance, with a mouth shaped like a very sharp beak. It is an omnivore, consuming both meat and plants, and will either scavenge or actively hunt its prey in the water.

Compared to the alligator snapping turtle, the common snapping turtle is significantly more aggressive. If it perceives even a slight possibility of danger, it will immediately attack. Its bite is strong enough to break through bone, and because of its aggressive nature, it should never be handled. While it is commonly believed that common snapping turtles can bite off human fingers or toes, there are no proven cases of this. However, their powerful jaws are certainly capable of doing so. Additionally, their bite can infect humans with harmful bacteria, making prompt medical attention crucial if bitten.

The alligator snapping turtle, on the other hand, is larger and has a more limited range, primarily found in the southeastern United States. It has a black shell, spikes on its skin, and a sharper beak designed for tearing through meat. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is calmer and less aggressive than the common snapping turtle. Alligator snapping turtles are also omnivores, but they do not actively hunt their prey. Instead, they lie in wait at the bottom of a lake or pond with their mouths open, waiting for prey to come close.

While the bite of an alligator snapping turtle is more powerful and dangerous due to their larger size and sharper beak, the common snapping turtle's smaller size and wider range make it more likely to be encountered by humans, increasing the potential risk it poses. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and avoid provoking or handling common snapping turtles to minimize the danger they pose.

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They are most aggressive when on land

While snapping turtles are not generally aggressive, they are more likely to be feisty on land. This is because, when on land, they are vulnerable to attacks. Unlike other turtles, snapping turtles cannot retract into their shells. Their shells are too small to efficiently cover their bodies, leaving their heads and limbs exposed. Therefore, the best defence snapping turtles have is a good offence.

Snapping turtles are usually calm and docile in the water. They are not considered a danger to swimmers and will typically flee and hide underwater in sediment. They are also quite slow on land, so they are unlikely to chase you. However, they are very fast at striking, so it is best to keep your distance.

Snapping turtles are most likely to be found on land during the breeding season, when females travel great distances in search of a place to dig a nest and lay their eggs. They can also be found on land when they are looking for a new habitat to avoid overcrowding, pollution, and habitat destruction.

If you encounter a snapping turtle on land, it is best to give it a wide berth. Do not attempt to pick it up, as this could result in injury to both you and the turtle. Instead, treat it with respect and keep children and pets away until it has finished laying its eggs and left the area.

Frequently asked questions

A snapping turtle can cause serious injuries with its sharp jaws and impressive bite force. They can bite with a force of 208-226 Newtons, which is strong enough to bite off a human finger. However, they are not known to be aggressive towards humans and will usually only bite when they feel threatened.

It is best to give snapping turtles a wide berth, especially when they are on land. If you encounter one on the road or in a populated area, it is likely just trying to find a safe place to lay its eggs. Avoid trying to pick it up by the tail, as this can cause serious harm to the turtle.

The best way to avoid getting bitten is to give snapping turtles their space and respect their personal boundaries. They only bite when they feel threatened, so if you keep your distance, you are unlikely to be at risk.

If you are bitten by a snapping turtle, seek immediate medical attention, especially if the bite has broken the skin. Wash the wound with soap and warm water and keep an eye on it for any signs of infection.

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