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The common snapping turtle is one of the most recognizable turtles in existence, due in part to the fact that its habitat stretched from Nova Scotia in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The snapping turtle’s dietary flexibility certainly plays a role in both its wide geographical distribution and its popularity as a pet. At first glance, these voracious omnivores might seem to eat whatever is in front of them, but there is a little more sophistication in their habits than might be expected from initial perception. Research work in Psychonomic Science indicates that hatched turtle chicks exhibit dietary preferences based on the first food given to them, but they also appear to have an innate preference for certain diets.
This combination of primacy and innate preference suggests that a certain level of selective habits are at work in the snapping turtles’ habits, but you won’t know if you come across one of them. Snapping turtles are opportunistic omnivores known to devour just about anything in their path, but they clearly prefer meat. The diet of common snapping turtles is about 30% vegetables, while the larger, more aggressive snapping turtles eat significantly less vegetation and are considered predominantly carnivorous.
In both cases, snapping turtles live in a pond or other form of brackish water – and their large size means that much of the wildlife in snapping turtles’ habitat is potentially on the menu. Prey sizes can range from small invertebrates to fish and amphibians to medium-sized mammals and birds. Snapping turtles are known to even feed on carrion.
In the wild, snapping turtles are known to feed on:
What do snapping turtles eat in captivity and in the wild?
While a snapping turtle in a pond can eat whatever gets in its way, it is not a practical choice for snapping turtles in captivity. In captivity, turtles should only eat two to three times a week. Baby snapping turtles need to be fed every day. Live insects and worms found at the pet store make up the most common diet of captive snapping turtles, but they can also be fed raw and lean meats such as chicken and turkey. In captivity, both common turtles and alligator turtles should be supplemented with leafy greens. Some owners prefer to feed their turtles with special pellets rather than raw food.
Snapping turtles in captivity are known to feed on:
How do snapping turtles hunt for food?
The common snapping turtle can mostly be found in a brackish water pond or stream, while the alligator snapping turtle generally prefers more freshwater habitats. But they are both nocturnal and exclusively aquatic hunters at the same time. Their nocturnal food patrol usually involves walking along the bottom of the stream or lake they inhabit in search of prey. While young snapping turtles often take a proactive approach to finding prey, older ones have learned to be patient.
Like ambush predators, adult snapping turtles burrow almost entirely in the sand and simply wait for their prey to arrive. They also have an attractive, albeit unusual, bait. The tongue of a snapping turtle resembles a worm – and when that is the only thing visible above the surface of the sand, it is an effective way to deliver prey directly to the turtle’s beak. Despite their slow appearance, these turtles can lunges incredibly quickly and with great strength. The 200+ newtons of force they use when eating are usually overkill – and the most common method of dismembering a larger prey is to simply decapitate it.
What animals eat snapping turtles?
The combination of large size, tough shell and powerful jaws makes the snapping turtle an unattractive food for most predators. Common snapping turtles are sometimes killed by larger snapping alligator turtles, and both American alligators and river otters are also known to occasionally snack on them. There were even rare cases when black bears hunted adult snapping turtles. Luckily, their predator ambush tactics also help protect them from the eyes of predators.
Turtle calves and eggs are obviously a more vulnerable threat to predators, and hatched calves are vulnerable to both water and land. Large fish such as pike and perch, water snakes such as quilted jackets, and mammals such as mink, raccoons and foxes pose a threat to baby turtles. But the biggest threat to both adults and children can be humans. Both alligators and common snapping turtles are often taken from their habitats to be sold as pets. Alligator turtles are even facing declining populations due to the demand for their meat.
Next: what do porcupines eat?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the favorite food for snapping turtles?
Snapping turtles in the wild will eat whatever they are given, but they have also shown an innate preference for certain food sources. In particular, this species prefers small fish such as goldfish and minnow.
What kind of human food can snapping turtles eat?
If you can eat it, chances are your snapping turtle can too. Leafy greens like romaine and kale are great sources of nutrients for toddlers or adult snapping turtles, and they aren’t too picky when it comes to meat. Shrimp, fish, and even poultry such as chicken and turkey can be a healthy part of the snapping turtle’s diet.
What can I feed wild snapping turtles?
Just because wild snapping turtles eat almost anything doesn’t mean they should. Human food can often be unhealthy for them because it is not a natural part of their environment, and in particular, baby turtles can become dependent on humans for survival.
Do snapping turtles eat fruit?
Snapping turtles are not commonly found with fruit in the wild, but many domestic turtles find them delicious. They are best fed in moderation as fruits tend to be less nutritious for turtles to fish than other foods.
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