What do Snapping Turtles Eat
Snapping turtles are freshwater turtles that live and eat in shallow lakes and ponds with soft, muddy bottoms. What do snapping turtles eat? Snapping turtles are omnivores, so they like to eat both plants and animals. However, there are two main types of snapping turtles and each type has a unique ways to catch its food.
What do Alligator Snapping Turtles Eat
Alligator snapping turtles are very large freshwater turtles that have huge heads and thick rigid shells. This type of turtle has three rows of spikes on its shell, which often reminds people of dinosaurs. Alligator snappers like to hide out in the water behind plants or in the mud and wait for food to arrive. The inside of an alligator snapper’s mouth is camouflaged, so other animals can’t see it in the water. The alligator snapper’s tongue looks like a worm. The turtle lays motionless in the water with its mouth open. It waits for its prey to take the bait. When a fish or other animal bites on its tongue, the alligator snapper quickly closes its powerful jaws and enjoys its meal. Alligator snapping turtles will eat minnows, fish, dead fish, snakes and even other turtles.
What do Common Snapping Turtles Eat
Common snapping turtles are different from alligator snapping turtles because their tongues are not shaped like worms. These turtles do not have teeth, but they do have powerful jaws and beaks that they use to eat plants and animals. Common snappers will eat plants, small fish, snakes, insects, frogs and small birds. These turtles will even eat dead animals or other turtles. It is not unlikely for a young common snapper to mistake another turtle’s tail for a worm and gobble it up.
