Snapping turtles are large, aggressive turtles with powerful jaws that can deliver a nasty bite. Their formidable appearance leads some to wonder – will a snapping turtle eat other turtles if given the chance?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, snapping turtles are capable of preying on other turtles depending on their size and availability. Juvenile snapping turtles may fall prey to larger adults of their own species.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the snapping turtle’s diet and feeding behavior. You’ll learn which types of turtles they prey on, how they capture and eat other turtles, and tips to protect your pet turtles.
Do Snapping Turtles Eat Other Turtles in the Wild?
Yes, snapping turtles are omnivorous and will eat other turtles if given the opportunity. However, they primarily hunt small animals like fish, frogs, snakes, and insects. Larger snapping turtles may also eat ducks, geese, and small mammals.
Their powerful jaws allow them to consume virtually anything they can catch and swallow whole.
Hatchlings and Small Turtle Species
Newly hatched snapping turtles, usually less than 1 inch long, sustain mostly on insects and plants. As juveniles grow to around 3 inches, they begin feeding on tadpoles, small fish, and aquatic invertebrates.
At this stage, they pose a significant threat to hatchlings and small turtle species like mud turtles, painted turtles, and musk turtles, quickly gobbling them up if encountered.
Adult common snappers, reaching over 16 inches, will eat almost any small animal. They are opportunistic feeders and have been documented consuming eastern box turtles, Blanding’s turtles, spotted turtles, and diamondback terrapins if they cross paths.
Small and medium-sized turtles are certainly at risk of becoming dinner for these voracious giants.
Aquatic vs Land Turtles
As primarily aquatic predators, snapping turtles are most likely to prey upon other water-dwelling turtles. Species like red-eared sliders, softshell turtles, and map turtles share the same ponds and rivers, making them easy targets.
Snappers will stalk basking turtles, biting them and dragging them underwater to drown before eating. They may also ambush hatchlings entering the water for the first time.
Land-based turtles like gopher tortoises and eastern box turtles have less risk of being eaten, but may still fall prey if near the water’s edge. Snapping turtles sometimes venture onto land looking for nesting sites or food sources.
Any small turtle is in danger of being eaten if crossing paths with a large snapper in these situations.
Why Would a Snapping Turtle Eat Another Turtle?
Opportunistic Predators
Snapping turtles are opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat whatever food sources are conveniently available. As aquatics reptiles, snapping turtles share habitats with various species of smaller turtles.
When the chance arises, a hungry snapping turtle will readily eat a smaller turtle for its next meal.
A snapping turtle’s powerful jaw gives it an advantage in being able to capture and eat hard-shelled prey like turtles. Their scissor-like beaks can snip off pieces of a turtle’s flesh with ease. Additionally, snapping turtles have very flexible necks which they can stretch out quickly to grab unsuspecting prey.
Nutritional Needs
Eating other turtles allows snapping turtles to meet their nutritional needs. Turtles contain nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals that are essential for the growth and survival of snapping turtles.
Compared to plants, turtles have greater concentrations of these nutrients in their bodies. By selectively eating other turtles, snapping turtles are able to more efficiently obtain the nutrition they require.
Research by herpetologists has found snapping turtle stomach contents often containing partial remains of smaller turtle species. This highlights how snapping turtles do indeed prey on other turtles likely for nutrition.
How Do Snapping Turtles Catch and Eat Other Turtles?
Hunting Techniques
Snapping turtles have a variety of techniques they use to hunt and catch other turtles. Here are some of the common methods:
- Ambush hunting – Snapping turtles are known to hide and wait patiently for prey like small turtles to swim by. When the opportunity strikes, they quickly emerge from their hiding spot and ambush their prey using their lightning-fast neck strike.
- Active hunting – Snappers will also actively search for food by patrolling the bottoms of ponds and rivers. They use their keen sense of smell to sniff out potential prey.
- Luring – Using their long worm-like tongues, snappers can lure in curious small turtles. When the prey gets close, they attack.
In addition to these techniques, snapping turtles may also scavenge for dead or dying turtles that are already injured or weak. Their diverse hunting strategies make snappers effective predators of small turtle species.
Biting and Chewing
Once a snapping turtle catches its prey in its vice-like jaws, it utilizes its powerful beak and specialized mouth to kill and consume the turtle.
- The beak has a sharp cutting edge that can slice through flesh, allowing the snapper to take large bites out of its prey.
- Its mouth has sharp points and ridges that function like backward-facing teeth to help grip and tear food.
- Snappers swallow chunks of meat whole and use contractions of their throat muscles to force the food down.
- Their incredibly strong jaw muscles allow them to bite down with up to 600 pounds of force, crushing a turtle’s shell and bones.
Snapping turtles are relentless once they bite down, and will continue tearing apart prey until nothing is left. Their powerful jaws make short work of even hard turtle shells and bones. While not a pretty process, their biting and chewing methods are extremely effective for the gruesome task of consuming other turtles.
Which Turtle Species are Most at Risk?
Small Aquatic Species
Unfortunately, many small aquatic turtle species are at high risk of predation from snapping turtles. Species like spotted turtles, Blanding’s turtles, and bog turtles often share wetland habitats with hungry snappers.
Their small size makes them tempting meals for the much larger common snapping turtle. According to research from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, predation from snapping turtles has contributed to population declines in multiple small turtle species.
Hatchlings and Juveniles
Baby turtles and juveniles are also very vulnerable to snapping turtle predation. Even baby snapping turtles are at risk from their own kind! A 1990 study found that nearly 50% of common snapping turtle hatchlings fell prey to adult snapper predation in their first year of life.
Other turtle species face equally grim odds. Their small size and tender meat makes them the perfect bite-sized snack for hungry adult snapping turtles. Sadly, this heavy predation pressure hampers recruitment of juveniles and can lead to dwindling populations over time.
Tips to Protect Pet Turtles from Snappers
Supervise Outdoor Time
When allowing pet turtles outside of their enclosure, it’s crucial to supervise them at all times. Snapping turtles can move surprisingly fast on land when they want to capture prey. Keeping a watchful eye on your pet turtle can allow you to intervene if a snapper approaches.
It’s also wise to only allow outdoor time in a securely fenced area, rather than letting them freely roam a backyard where snappers may enter.
Use Physical Barriers
When housing outdoor turtle ponds or enclosures, use physical barriers like wire mesh fencing to prevent snapping turtles from entering. Bury fencing at least 12 inches below the ground to prevent snappers from burrowing underneath.
You can also use large rocks, gravel, or wooden boards around the perimeter to block access. Such barriers allow pet turtles to enjoy the sunshine while safely separated from wild predators.
Provide Hiding Places
Even with supervision and barriers, a determined snapper may occasionally find its way into your turtle habitat. Providing ample plants, rocks crevices, and half-submerged dock areas gives your pet turtles places to avoid confrontation.
According to the Turtle Conservation Coalition, over 50% of reported pet turtle predation incidents happen when the pets have no quick escape route. Ensure any additions like docks have wire fencing underneath to eliminate hiding spots for snappers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, snapping turtles are certainly capable of eating other turtles given their powerful jaws and opportunistic feeding behavior. Small hatchlings and aquatic species are most at risk of falling prey.
By understanding the snapper’s feeding ecology and taking proper precautions, you can help prevent tragic losses of your own beloved pet turtles.
