Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't keep snappers, but I've seen them around our house before. I work at a wildlife rehab center, and we get a few of them in each year (the 12 pounder we got in this year was brought in by a counselor at a school for mentally challenged kids and he let they PLAY with it for 2 weeks after they found it in the school yard....but that's another story).

My question is, is there a reason that common snappers can be exceptionally large? Everything I've ever read says that carapace length is usually at 18" max. As part of a research project a couple of years ago, we live-trapped, measured, and released snappers around our county. At 3 or 4 ponds even within about 10 minutes of my house, we were measuring the lengths to be close to 2 feet. The ones I've seen around my place are pretty much all that big...any thoughts?

What state did this take place in? Alligator snappers can get that big. Common snappers average 16-18 inch carapace length, although there are exceptions with very old individuals. I, myself, recorded a specimen with a 20 inch carapace about 12 years ago.

Yeah I should've probably mentioned that. I'm in PA...no alligators here.

Another thing to make sure of is where you measure on the carapace. Straight line carapace length measurement is the shortest distance - usually right down the turtle's "backbone". Some people measure the longest distance they can find, which isn't entirely accurate.

Sometimes they just get really big, especially if they are in an area where most people don't trap turtles.
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That's not just a woman; it's a way of life!
-Roland T. Flakfizer

I caught an old male last may that was right at 24 inches. I dont know of anyone that has found one this big. I live here in Maine and there are LOTS of snappers and not so much trapping anymore. And you have to figure that they continue to grow all their life so any size within reason is possible.

Dallas Quarles Reptiles

i have seen commons at two feet or slightly larger more times than i can count. usually in the shallows of a larger lake. when you do see them that large, they are old, wily fellas, and you can hardly come close b4 they are GONE. at the same time, i could count on half of one hand the number of 'exceptionally large' commons that i have caught in traps, in the same waters. they are just so wise and sneaky by the time they get that big.