Eastern snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), one of New Jersey’s largest freshwater turtles, quietly navigate local ponds and streams, their steady pace offering a glimpse into how prehistoric reptiles might have moved.
These large turtles swim and walk in a way that gives us clues as to how dinosaurs might have roamed the lands — slow and steady seems to be the way. With a carapace (their top shell) growing up to 20 inches and weighing as much as 60 pounds, they have earned their pace by becoming one of the largest freshwater turtles in New Jersey.
Snapping turtles don’t seem bothered much by the presence of humans. On one occasion, our resident naturalist watched a large snapping turtle walk past her and a group of 14 students. They made quite the fuss over the turtle, but as long as they kept a respectable distance it didn’t seem bothered by their presence.
This time of year, these turtles come onto land to make nests and lay their eggs. Snapping turtles do not reach reproductive maturity until around 7 years of age. Females can lay as many as 20 to 30 perfectly round eggs at a time, but many fall prey to birds, foxes, raccoons, skunks and minks. If the hatchlings survive incubation, they face the added challenge of crossing roads and avoiding other predators as they make their way to ponds and streams to hide under leaves and mud until they are large enough to move more freely.
Snapping turtles are often harvested for food. In New Jersey, regulations from the Division of Fish & Wildlife state:
“Only snapping turtles with a minimum carapace length of 12 inches may be harvested. Snapping turtles may be taken by means of spears, angling with hook and line, dip nets not more than 24 inches in diameter, traps, or by hand. Turtles may not be taken with a gun or bow and arrow. Traps must be designed to provide a means of escape, or survival, of species of turtles other than snapping turtles. As such, they must be designed so that at least the topmost two inches of the trap remains exposed, at all times, above the surface of the water, and must have an escape hole of sufficient size to permit the escape of other turtle species. Flotation devices that have sufficient strength to support the weight of the trap and keep it afloat for at least 24 hours must be used.
All traps must be identified with the name and address of the permittee and must be tended at least once every 24 hours. No more than 30 traps may be set. A person shall not take, kill or have in possession snapping turtles from May 15 to June 30, or from October 31 to April 1. The Department of Health and Senior Services may have additional regulations regarding required testing for turtles sold or used for human consumption. Permits are issued for a maximum of ten waterbodies per permit. Permits expire on October 31 of each year. Annual harvest reports must be submitted by December 31 of the current permit year. The possession, taking, or attempting to take any other species of turtle is prohibited.”
Although it is legal to harvest eastern snapping turtles in New Jersey, it is important to remember they can live 50 years or more. In that time, they can accumulate high levels of toxins in their body fat, even after cooking, posing health risks.
If you come across a turtle crossing the road, gently hold it on the back of its shell and guide it in the direction it was heading. Snapping turtles have long necks and can snap at their prey of fish, smaller turtles and invertebrates — and sometimes humans — so it’s important to handle them with care. Never pick up a turtle by its tail, as that can harm the animal.
Fun Facts:
- Eastern snapping turtles’ carapace can grow up to 20 inches and weigh up to 60 pounds.
- Females lay up to 30 or more eggs in holes they make in the ground.
- They reach reproductive maturity between 7 to 14 years of age.
- Many predators dig up turtle eggs before they can hatch.
- It is legal to harvest and consume snapping turtles in New Jersey, but caution is advised due to potential toxin accumulation.
- When helping a snapping turtle cross a road, always guide it in the direction it was heading and gently hold it by the back of its shell.
Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
