How Large Does A Female Common Snapping Turtle Get

The common snapping turtle, known for its aggressive behavior and powerful jaws, is a fascinating creature to study. While the males are smaller in size, the female common snapping turtles can grow to an impressive size. If you’re curious about how large a female common snapping turtle can get, read on to discover some interesting facts!

Female common snapping turtles can grow up to 18 inches in length and weigh as much as 50 pounds. Their shells, or carapaces, can be as wide as 15 inches. These turtles can live for several decades, and their size increases with age. So, if you come across a large snapping turtle, chances are it’s a female that has been around for quite some time!

How Large Does a Female Common Snapping Turtle Get?

If you are interested in keeping a common snapping turtle as a pet or just curious about these fascinating creatures, you might be wondering how large a female common snapping turtle can get. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the size of female common snapping turtles.

Physical Characteristics of Female Common Snapping Turtles

Female common snapping turtles are generally larger than males. The average size of a female common snapping turtle is between 10 to 18 inches in length, while males usually grow up to 8 to 10 inches in length. However, there have been rare cases where female snapping turtles have grown up to 20 inches in length.

The weight of a female snapping turtle can range from 10 to 35 pounds, with some specimens weighing up to 50 pounds. The size of a snapping turtle depends on various factors such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions.

Factors That Affect the Size of Female Common Snapping Turtles

Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in determining the size of a snapping turtle. If the parents of a snapping turtle are large, the offspring will most likely be large as well.

Diet: A snapping turtle’s diet can also affect its size. A well-fed turtle with a varied diet will grow bigger and healthier than a turtle that eats only one type of food.

Environmental Conditions: The environment in which a snapping turtle lives can also affect its size. If the turtle lives in a pond or lake with plenty of food and little competition, it will grow bigger than a turtle living in a small and crowded environment.

Benefits of Keeping a Female Common Snapping Turtle

Keeping a female common snapping turtle as a pet can be a rewarding experience. These turtles are known for their longevity, with some living up to 50 years or more. They also have a unique personality and can be quite interactive with their owners.

Female snapping turtles are also excellent swimmers and can live in large aquariums or outdoor ponds. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance, making them a great pet option for beginners.

vs. Male Common Snapping Turtles

Female common snapping turtles are generally larger than males, making them a more impressive pet option. They also tend to be less aggressive than males and are more docile in temperament.

Male snapping turtles, on the other hand, are smaller and more active than females. They are also more aggressive and territorial, making them a challenging pet option for inexperienced turtle owners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size of a female common snapping turtle can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions. On average, female snapping turtles grow between 10 to 18 inches in length and can weigh up to 35 pounds. Keeping a female snapping turtle as a pet can be a rewarding experience, and they are a great pet option for beginners due to their easy care and docile temperament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about the size of female common snapping turtles.

What is the average size of a female common snapping turtle?

A female common snapping turtle can grow to be quite large, with an average carapace (shell) length of around 12-15 inches. However, some females have been known to reach lengths of up to 18 inches.

It’s important to note that while the carapace length is a good indicator of a turtle’s size, it’s not the only factor to consider. Females can also be quite heavy, with some weighing up to 50 pounds.

How does the size of a female snapping turtle compare to a male?

Females are typically larger than males, although the difference in size can vary depending on the individual turtle. On average, male common snapping turtles have a carapace length of around 9-12 inches and weigh between 10-35 pounds.

It’s also worth noting that males have longer tails than females, which they use during mating to help them grip onto the female’s shell.

At what age do female common snapping turtles reach their full size?

Female common snapping turtles grow relatively slowly, taking around 15-20 years to reach their full size. However, some individuals may continue to grow slightly throughout their lives.

It’s also worth noting that the growth rate of snapping turtles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, temperature, and genetics.

What is the largest recorded size of a female common snapping turtle?

The largest recorded female common snapping turtle had a carapace length of 19.5 inches and weighed 52 pounds. This turtle was captured in Kansas in the 1930s and is considered an extreme outlier in terms of size.

It’s important to note that while some turtles may reach these extreme sizes, most females will be much smaller.

How can you tell the age of a female common snapping turtle?

Determining the age of a snapping turtle can be difficult, as they don’t have growth rings like trees do. However, there are a few indicators that can give you an idea of a turtle’s age.

One of the most reliable ways to estimate a turtle’s age is by looking at its size. Since snapping turtles grow slowly, a larger turtle is likely to be older than a smaller turtle. Additionally, the condition of a turtle’s shell can also give you clues about its age. Older turtles may have more wear and tear on their shells, while younger turtles will have smoother, more intact shells.

In conclusion, the size of a female common snapping turtle can vary greatly depending on several factors. As one of the largest freshwater turtles, they can grow to impressive sizes, with females typically being larger than males.

On average, a female common snapping turtle can reach a carapace length of up to 18 inches and a weight of up to 50 pounds. However, some individuals have been known to grow even larger, with some reaching up to 20 inches in length and weighing over 70 pounds.

It’s important to remember that these turtles are long-lived and slow-growing, so they can take many years to reach their full size. And while they may be intimidating with their powerful jaws and sharp claws, common snapping turtles play an important role in their ecosystem and should be respected and protected.