THE SNAPPING TURTLE
This is a large turtle ( 20-40 cm). Adults may weigh more than 70 lbs. It has a large head; the upper jaw is slightly hooked. The skin is rough and warty; greyish-black in color. The carapace has three low keels, prominant in the young, but disappearing as the turtle matures.The carapace is darker than the rest of the body; its color varies from tan, brown, olive, to black. The back-edge of the carapace is saw-toothed.The plastron is small and cross-shaped. The tail is quite long and resembles that of a crocodile (saw-edged).
Turtle Fact: The turtle shell consists of an upper (carapace) and a lower (plastron) shell, connected at the sides by bony bridges. The vertebrate column and ribs are fused to the carapace; this means that the shoulder and hip sockets are located inside the ribcage!
Turtle Fact: The snapping turtle pulls its head into its shell by curving its neck vertically, in an S-shape.