The common snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle found across North America, particularly in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds. Known for its powerful jaws and aggressive temperament when out of the water, this turtle has a rugged, ridged shell and a long, spiked tail. It is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, fish, invertebrates, and small mammals, and plays an important role in its ecosystem as both predator and scavenger.