Skip to contentSkip to navigation
Snapping turtleSnapping turtle

Reptile

Snapping turtle

Chelydra Serpentina

The largest freshwater turtle in Québec!
Snapping turtle
Long spiked tail
Long neck that can extend about ½ the length of the carapace
Cross-shaped plastron
Carapace that can be covered in greenish algae
Fact sheet
A turtle that knows how to defend itself
Snapping turtle
View on back
My cross-shaped plastron does not fully cover the underside of my body. On land, I am therefore more vulnerable to attack as I cannot hide my head and limbs inside my carapace. But I can defend myself: I have powerful jaws!
One of the most common turtles in Québec
Snapping turtle
View on back
I am the largest turtle in Québec, as well as one of only two species that are relatively common in the province. But I am rarely seen as I don’t exit the water like my cousins do to expose themselves to the sun on rocks, dead trunks or on the river banks.
A picky turtle!
Snapping turtle
View on back
When I look for a place to lay my eggs, I am very selective and, if necessary, I can walk tens of kilometers on the mainland before digging my nest. Wandering does not scare me!
Snapping turtle
Reptiles sensitive to human activities

Turtles are very sensitive to human activities. Cars, boats, construction zones that destroy their habitat, are all factors that threaten their survival.

Snapping turtle
Come see the Snapping turtles!
Snapping turtle
Support the Snapping turtles

The Ecomuseum Zoo would like to obtain your consent to use cookies or an equivalent technology on its website. By accepting, you allow the Ecomuseum Zoo and its partners to use cookies, which could contain some personal information, in order to optimize your browsing experience and for promotional purposes.
To learn more, including the security of your personal information, please see our confidentiality policy. By continuing to browse the website, you accept the above conditions.