Snapping Turtles Are Cool Animals. Snapping turtle - Chelydra serpentina
Channel: Friends Inspire
Date: 2018-10-16

Official State #Reptile of New York - #Snapping #Turtles Are Cool #Animals 
Snapping turtle - Chelydra serpentina.
The snapping turtle is an #omnivore (eats both plants and animals) and eats carrion (dead organisms) as well.
 It often buries itself in the mud with only its nostrils and eyes showing, waiting for unsuspecting prey. 
These turtles will #snap at anything they find #threatening. 
Their snap is so powerful that it can easily shear fingers - so stay a #safe distance away!
Snapping turtles live 30-40 years on average.
It is one of the largest turtles in North #America.

Snapping turtles can grow quite large - with shells exceeding 18 inches and weight over 35 pounds. 
Color varies from light green and brown shades to very dark green and brown.

Where to Watch:

Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes throughout New York, particularly in slow moving, shallow waters with a muddy bottom. One of the most adaptable reptiles in New York, they are even found in urban waterways. Females move to upland nesting locations predominantly in the early morning or early evening. The preferred nesting locations are within 100 feet of the water and typically occur in sandy or loamy soils, making backyard gardens a frequent nesting location. Where water temperatures are cooler, animals may sometimes be found perched atop rocks that provide easy access back into the water.?

Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes throughout New York, particularly in slow moving, shallow waters with a muddy bottom. One of the most adaptable reptiles in New York, they are even found in urban waterways. 
#Females move to upland #nesting locations predominantly in the early morning or early evening. The preferred nesting locations are within 100 feet of the water and typically occur in sandy or loamy soils, making backyard gardens a frequent nesting location. 
Where water temperatures are cooler, animals may sometimes be found perched atop rocks that provide easy access back into the water.