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A calm Tennessee pond with cattails and a creek flowing in, a stick beaver lodge near the far bank, soft evening light and reflections.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Pond, Creek and Water Animals

Common Snapping Turtle in Tennessee

Has a strong bite and a long neck, so never lift one by the tail. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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A common snapping turtle with a rough shell crossing a patch of grass beside a Tennessee pond, soft daylight.

At a Glance

About the Common Snapping Turtle

Animals around ponds, creeks and shorelines flood land, burrow into banks and take fish and poultry. The right control depends on the animal and the water.

Identify First

Risk: Has a strong bite and a long neck, so never lift one by the tail.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameChelydra serpentina
Size8 to 14 inches shell
Where it shows upPonds, creeks, drainage ditches and nearby yards
When it is activeDaytime, with egg laying from May to July

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a common snapping turtle.

  • Large turtle crossing a yard or road in spring
  • A nest hole dug in loose soil or mulch
  • Missing fish and ducklings in backyard ponds

Usually Harmless

What We Do About the Common Snapping Turtle

This animal is usually harmless, and removal is often not needed. We can identify it, move it when it is in a bad spot and help prevent a repeat.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Protect valuable trees with wire wrap
  • Use culvert guards to stop beaver dams
  • Fence ponds and coops against otters and mink
  • Check rules before trapping or moving any animal

Similar Animals

More Pond, Creek and Water Animals

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Common Snapping Turtle

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a common snapping turtle?

Common signs: large turtle crossing a yard or road in spring; a nest hole dug in loose soil or mulch; missing fish and ducklings in backyard ponds.

Is a common snapping turtle dangerous?

Has a strong bite and a long neck, so never lift one by the tail. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a common snapping turtle?

This animal is usually harmless, and removal is often not needed. We can identify it, move it when it is in a bad spot and help prevent a repeat. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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