16 Snapping Turtle Predators Impacting Their Survival

Believe it or not, snapping turtles are quite efficient predators themselves. They hunt a wide variety of animals – fish, small mammals, crustaceans, mussels, and even birds. Snapping turtles aren’t picky eaters and will consume any animal they can fit in their mouths, including juvenile alligators and other turtles. However, snapping turtles have few natural predators of their own, especially once they reach adult size. Adult snappers are large with tough shells, but juveniles still need to grow before they become relatively safe.

Until they’re fully grown, many predators target snapping turtle eggs, hatchlings, and juveniles. Let’s take a closer look at the world of young snapping turtles and the dangers they face in the wild. You’ll discover which animals pose the greatest threats and how these predators impact snapping turtle survival.

Predators of Snapping Turtle Eggs & Hatchlings

Snapping turtles do not protect or care for the eggs they lay. Once a female digs her nest and covers her eggs, her job is done and she returns to the water. If a predator finds the nest, entire clutches may be lost. The most common snapping turtle egg predators are red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoons (Procyon lotor). Other observed nest raiders include Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and coyotes (Canis latrans). Even insects can pose a threat—sarcophagid fly larvae have been observed infesting nests and consuming rotting eggs and embryos.

Recent studies show just how severe nest predation can be. In Ontario’s Rondeau Provincial Park, 99–100% of snapping turtle nests were destroyed by predators in 2000 and 2001. Similarly, at Point Pelee National Park, between 63% and 100% of nests were lost to predators in the 2001–2002 seasons. At Grafton Lake in Nova Scotia, about 23–47% of nests were depredated, and in Michigan, predators destroyed roughly 30–100% of unprotected nests (about 70% on average) between 1976 and 1983. Overall, an estimated 70% of snapping turtle nests fail due to predation. Encouragingly, some conservation efforts (such as nest protection programs by organizations like the Friends of the Mississippi River) are helping to improve hatchling survival in certain areas.

Researchers using decoy turtle nests in New York found that predators often discover nests within 24 hours of egg-laying. Importantly, nest predators do not rely on strong scent cues to find the eggs – the visual disturbance of freshly turned soil is enough to attract them. In other words, as soon as a female snapper leaves a nest site, a vigilant predator can easily spot the subtle soil disturbance and dig up the eggs.

Common predators of snapping turtle eggs and hatchlings include:

• Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) – opportunistically dig up turtle nests.
• Great blue herons (Ardea herodias) – spear hatchlings or swallow eggs.
• American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) – raid exposed nests and eat tiny hatchlings.
• American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) – ambush and swallow hatchlings in ponds.
• Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) – gulp hatchlings in the water.
• Northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) – consume hatchlings in shallow waters.
• Raccoons (Procyon lotor) – prolific nest raiders, devouring eggs en masse.
• Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) – keen diggers that target turtle nests for eggs.
• Various large birds (Class Aves) – e.g. herons, gulls, raptors that snatch hatchlings.
• Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) – dig up nests, especially in open sandy areas.

1. Raccoons

• Binomial Name: Procyon lotor
• Geographic Range: Southern Canada, most of the United States, Central America, and northern South America (introduced in parts of Europe and Asia)
• Mass: 1.8 to 10.4 kg (4 to 23 lb)
• Threats: Natural predators include coyotes, bobcats, and owls (for juveniles). Significant human-related threats are disease (e.g. rabies), vehicle collisions, and trapping.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Population abundant and expanding; considered an invasive alien species in many European countries.

Raccoons are one of the most notorious snapping turtle predators across North America. Easily identified by the black “bandit” mask across their eyes and a bushy tail with rings, raccoons thrive in habitats near water—streams, marshes, and lakeshores are favorite foraging grounds. When snapping turtle eggs are available, raccoons will dig up and eat entire clutches. They also feast on the eggs of other turtles, reptiles, and ground-nesting birds. This omnivorous diet and dexterous paws make raccoons a major threat to turtle nests.

Highly adaptable, raccoons have even expanded beyond their native range. They have been introduced (often unintentionally or as escaped pets) to parts of Europe and Asia, where they are now considered invasive. Wherever they live, raccoons take advantage of human-altered environments (like trash bins or agricultural areas), which can lead to unnaturally high local populations. In some protected areas, raccoon densities far exceed normal levels, intensifying the predation pressure on turtle nests.

2. American Red Foxes

• Binomial Name: Vulpes vulpes (North American red fox subspecies often referred to as V. v. fulva)
• Geographic Range: Throughout most of North America (from the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska down to Florida and Mexico)
• Mass: 3 to 14 kg (6.6 to 30.8 lb)
• Threats: Natural enemies include coyotes, wolves, and bobcats (which may kill foxes in competition). Humans hunt and trap red foxes for fur or pest control, and mange disease can cause local declines.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Widespread and stable globally. Considered invasive in some regions (e.g., Australia) where introduced.

The American red fox is another common predator of snapping turtle eggs. It is the largest true fox species and occupies a vast range across North America, from the tundra of northern Canada and Alaska to the deserts of the southwest and even into parts of Central America. Red foxes typically have a reddish coat (varying from deep rusty brown to pale yellowish-red), a white-tipped tail, and black “stockings” on the legs.

These foxes favor mixed habitats like semi-open forests, grasslands, and the edges of agricultural fields. They are clever and opportunistic omnivores. During turtle nesting season, red foxes patrol shorelines and riverbanks, sniffing out freshly buried eggs. A fox will dig up and devour the eggs of snapping turtles with enthusiasm, as well as any other turtle or bird eggs it comes across. Because they cover so much ground and have a keen sense of smell, red foxes can locate a lot of nests, making them major nest predators.

3. Virginia Opossums

• Binomial Name: Didelphis virginiana
• Geographic Range: Eastern, central, and west coast regions of the United States; southeastern Canada; and parts of Mexico and Central America
• Mass: 1.9 to 6 kg (4.2 to 13.2 lb)
• Threats: Main threats are habitat loss and vehicle strikes (opossums frequently become roadkill). Predators like large owls, coyotes, and dogs can prey on them, especially juveniles.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Populations are stable and even expanding northward; this adaptable species thrives near human settlements.

The Virginia opossum (North America’s only native marsupial) is another creature that loves an easy meal of turtle eggs. Widespread throughout the eastern United States and extending westward into parts of the Great Plains and southwest, these opossums are common in suburbs, woodlands, and farmland. They have stocky bodies, short legs, and coarse fur that can range from gray to blackish or even reddish-brown. Famous for “playing dead” when threatened, opossums are generally slow movers and scavengers by nature.

When a snapping turtle nests near an area frequented by opossums, the scent of freshly disturbed earth and eggs can attract these nocturnal foragers. An opossum will dig into a turtle nest and eat the eggs it finds. Opossums aren’t picky—they eat fruits, insects, carrion, and small animals as well. Turtle eggs provide a rich, protein-packed meal. While opossums do not specifically seek out turtle nests the way raccoons or foxes might, they will happily devour eggs if they encounter them.

4. Great Blue Herons

• Binomial Name: Ardea herodias
• Geographic Range: Throughout North America (from southern Canada and Alaska down through the United States to Mexico and the Caribbean); also found in parts of Central America and northern South America
• Mass: ~2.6 kg (about 5.7 lb)
• Length: ~1.2 m (47 inches) tall; wingspan ~1.8–2 m (~6 ft)
• Threats: Habitat destruction of wetlands can reduce feeding and nesting sites. Herons are occasionally preyed on by eagles or large owls (especially young herons). Human disturbances at nesting colonies can also be a problem.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Population is generally stable; protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.

The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America and a formidable predator in its own right. Standing about 4 feet tall, this wading bird has a long sharp beak perfect for spearing prey. Great blue herons are found near almost any body of water within their range, from marshes and lakes to coastal shorelines. Their range spans from southern Canada and Alaska all the way through the United States into Mexico, with some even venturing into the northern parts of South America.

Great blue herons primarily feed on fish and amphibians, but they won’t pass up a small turtle. A hatchling snapping turtle in shallow water or crawling near shore is an easy target for a heron’s lightning-fast strike. These birds have been observed picking up hatchling turtles in their beaks and swallowing them whole. Herons may also raid nests if they find exposed turtle eggs (though mammals usually get to buried eggs first). For baby turtles making their way from nest to water, a hunting heron is a deadly threat from above.

5. American Crows

• Binomial Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
• Geographic Range: Throughout most of North America (from southern Canada through the United States into northern Mexico)
• Mass: ~0.45 kg (1 lb)
• Threats: Vulnerable to West Nile virus (which caused declines around 2000–2005). Crows are also sometimes culled as agricultural pests. Natural predators include hawks, owls, and climbing mammals (which may raid crow nests).
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Widespread and common, with adaptable diet and behavior. Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, though controlled in some areas.

The American crow is a highly intelligent and opportunistic bird found all across North America. These crows are solid black, about the size of a pigeon, and known for their loud cawing calls. They thrive in diverse habitats, from woodlands and farms to city parks and suburbs. American crows often live near water and thus overlap with snapping turtle habitats.

Crows will eat just about anything they can find, and turtle eggs are no exception. If a snapping turtle nest has been disturbed or partially dug up (for example, by a raccoon or by erosion), crows will swoop in and steal any exposed eggs. Crows have also been seen picking at hatchling turtles. A baby turtle on land moving in daylight can attract the attention of a hungry crow, which may attempt to peck at it. The hard shell of even a hatchling turtle provides some defense, but a persistent crow can sometimes break in or at least injure the tiny turtle. Fortunately for turtles, crows usually focus on easier meals like insects or corn, but they remain opportunistic predators of turtle eggs and young when available.

6. American Bullfrogs

• Binomial Name: Lithobates catesbeianus
• Geographic Range: Eastern and central United States; southeastern Canada (introduced in many western states and overseas)
• Mass: ~0.5 kg (1.1 lb)
• Threats: In native range, threatened by habitat loss and pollution; in introduced areas, bullfrogs themselves are the threat (invasive). Predators include herons, larger bullfrogs, water snakes, and fish.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Abundant in native range; listed among the world’s worst invasive species for its impact where introduced.

The American bullfrog is an ambush predator commonly found in wetlands, ponds, and lakes of the eastern United States (with introduced populations in many other regions). This large frog has a voracious appetite and will attempt to eat anything it can fit in its wide mouth, including turtle hatchlings. Bullfrogs lurk at the water’s edge; when a tiny hatchling snapping turtle enters the water for the first time, a bullfrog can lash out with its sticky tongue and swallow the hatchling whole.

Bullfrogs are especially common in warm, weedy ponds and marshes – the same kinds of nursery habitats where baby snapping turtles hide. A bullfrog’s diet is extremely broad (insects, fish, other frogs, even small snakes and rodents), so a nickel-sized turtle is just one more menu item. Invasive bullfrog populations on the West Coast and in other countries have been noted to reduce native turtle recruitment (young survival) by preying on hatchlings. Though bullfrogs don’t dig up turtle eggs, they are significant predators of newly hatched turtles in the water.

7. Largemouth Bass

• Binomial Name: Micropterus salmoides
• Geographic Range: Native to eastern North America (Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins); widely introduced across the United States and abroad
• Length: Up to ~70 cm (27.6 in) long
• Threats: As a popular game fish, threats include overfishing in some areas and water pollution. Natural predators (as adults) are few, though larger fish, birds, or alligators may eat smaller bass.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Not threatened; populations are managed and stocked for sport fishing.

Largemouth bass are apex predators in many freshwater ecosystems, and they don’t hesitate to gobble up small turtles. These fish are native to the eastern U.S. and Canada (in the Mississippi River, Great Lakes, and other major basins) but have been introduced to water bodies worldwide for sport fishing. Largemouth bass prefer quiet, warm waters with soft bottoms and lots of aquatic vegetation.

Snapping turtle hatchlings share these shallow weedy habitats, which unfortunately puts them at risk. A lurking bass can lunge and suck in a hatchling turtle in a flash. Bass have large mouths (hence the name) and create strong suction when they strike prey. A tiny turtle swimming by is easily vacuumed in and swallowed. While adult snapping turtles have little to fear from a bass, the smallest baby turtles are well within the size range of a bass’s typical prey. Thus, in ponds and lakes with many bass, few hatchling turtles survive to grow larger.

8. Northern Water Snakes

• Binomial Name: Nerodia sipedon
• Geographic Range: Eastern and central United States (as far west as Colorado); southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada
• Length: Up to ~1.35 m (~4.4 ft)
• Threats: Often killed by humans who mistake them for venomous snakes. Natural predators include larger snakes, hawks, and snapping turtles themselves. Habitat loss of wetlands is also a concern.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (NatureServe G5 Secure; not globally threatened). Common throughout range, though protected in some local areas.

The northern water snake is a nonvenomous snake commonly found in and around freshwater throughout much of the eastern United States. It has a heavy body with brown, gray, or reddish banded markings that help it blend into the dappled light of a stream or pond. Water snakes are often seen basking on logs or swimming with their heads above water.

Small fish and amphibians make up the bulk of this snake’s diet, but it will also prey on young turtles. A northern water snake can catch a newly hatched snapping turtle in shallow water or among vegetation. The snake grasps the hatchling in its jaws and may swallow it whole if small enough, or consume it piecemeal if the turtle is a bit larger. The tough little shell of a hatchling turtle is not an insurmountable defense—water snakes have strong jaws and can work at a prey item until it is subdued. Like other nest predators, water snakes do not dig up turtle eggs, but they pose a threat to hatchlings during their vulnerable journey from nest to water.

9. Striped Skunks

• Binomial Name: Mephitis mephitis
• Geographic Range: Most of North America (from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico)
• Mass: 0.7–6.3 kg (1.5–13.9 lb)
• Threats: High mortality from vehicles due to their slow waddling gait and poor eyesight. Also controlled as rabies vectors in some areas. Great horned owls are a notable natural predator (immune to skunk spray).
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Very common and adaptable; often lives near humans. Not protected in many areas because they are considered nuisance animals.

The striped skunk, famous for its bold black-and-white coat and noxious spray, is another potential predator of snapping turtle eggs. Skunks are widely distributed across North America and often live in wooded areas, fields, and even suburban neighborhoods. They have short legs and long claws, which they use to dig for grubs and other food in the soil.

When a skunk comes across the scent of fresh eggs or recently disturbed ground, it will dig in search of food. Striped skunks have a keen sense of smell and can locate turtle nests much like raccoons and foxes do. Upon finding a snapper nest, a skunk will unearth and eat the eggs. Skunks generally do not eat turtle hatchlings (since baby turtles are quick to get to water and skunks are slow runners), but they can destroy many eggs in a nesting season. In some areas, skunks along with raccoons are significant nest predators that contribute to low hatching success for turtles.

Adult Snapping Turtle Predators

Once snapping turtles reach adulthood, they have relatively few natural predators. On land, an adult snapper is notoriously feisty and will defend itself aggressively. A large common snapping turtle can lunge forward with a surprisingly long neck and deliver a powerful bite to any would-be attacker. This means most predators think twice before tangling with a full-grown snapper on land. Underwater, snapping turtles prefer to avoid trouble by lying quietly on the bottom or burying themselves in mud to hide. If threatened in water, they usually swim away and seek refuge rather than fight.

By far the most significant predator of adult snapping turtles is **Homo sapiens** – humans. People have long hunted common snapping turtles for food, as the turtles’ meat is used in dishes like the traditional “snapper soup.” In many U.S. states, there are still open seasons and permits for taking a limited number of common snappers. (In contrast, hunting or collection of alligator snapping turtles is now illegal in all states due to their protected status.) Beyond humans, only a handful of other animals occasionally manage to kill adult or subadult snapping turtles.

Notably, American minks (Neogale vison) have been observed killing small adult snapping turtles and eating their internal organs. Northern river otters (Lontra canadensis) have also preyed on hibernating adult snappers – in one instance, a group of otters in Algonquin Park killed at least 31 dormant turtles over two winters. Other predators that can take adult or nearly adult snapping turtles include large alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii), coyotes (Canis latrans), and black bears (Ursus americanus). These cases are relatively rare, but they do occur, especially if the turtle is smaller, in a compromised state, or surprised while hibernating.

10. Humans

• Binomial Name: Homo sapiens
• Geographic Range: Worldwide (all continents, mainly terrestrial habitats)
• Mass: ~62 kg on average (136 lb), highly variable
• Threats: (N/A for humans in this context – apex predator; primary threats are self-inflicted or environmental)
• Conservation Status: Not evaluated (humans are the most widespread and abundant large mammal; population ~8 billion).

Humans are the top predator of adult snapping turtles. Historically and continuing today in some regions, people harvest snapping turtles for their meat. Common snappers are ingredients in certain cuisines (for example, turtle soup). In the United States, many states allow limited take of common snapping turtles, though regulations such as bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures are often in place. A permit or fishing license is typically required to capture them. Overharvesting can severely impact local turtle populations because snappers are long-lived and slow to reproduce.

In contrast, **alligator snapping turtles** (the larger cousin of the common snapper) have been overhunted to the point of decline and are now protected. Collecting or killing alligator snappers is illegal across their range. This species is currently listed as **Endangered** on the IUCN Red List (previously classified as Vulnerable) and is included in international trade regulations (CITES Appendix II). Many states have conservation programs to help alligator snapping turtle populations recover. Common snappers themselves are not globally endangered (IUCN lists them as Least Concern, but some areas have seen declines due to habitat loss, road mortality, and overharvest. As apex predators and long-lived creatures, adult snapping turtles have more to fear from human activities (like hunting and habitat destruction) than from natural enemies.

Can a snapping turtle kill you? Check out the answer here after you’ve met all its predators!

11. American Alligators

• Binomial Name: Alligator mississippiensis
• Geographic Range: Southeastern United States (primarily Gulf Coast states, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, extending west to Texas and Oklahoma)
• Mass: Up to ~450 kg for a large male (average adults ~150 kg, or 330 lb)
• Threats: Historically endangered by unregulated hunting and habitat loss; now recovered. Occasional threats include cold weather (limits northern range). Juveniles are preyed on by wading birds, raccoons, larger gators.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). A conservation success story – fully recovered from near extinction in the 20th century. Listed as Threatened on the US Endangered Species Act due to similarity of appearance to rarer crocodilians.

The American alligator is one of the few predators powerful enough to take on an adult snapping turtle. Alligators inhabit freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes across the Deep South (from Texas to North Carolina). An average adult alligator is 3–4 meters long and quite capable of devouring turtles. In fact, turtles (including snappers) are a known part of the alligator’s diet.

Encounters between adult snappers and alligators usually end with the turtle fleeing or trying to defend itself, but large gators can crunch through a turtle’s shell. Alligators have incredibly strong jaws. If a common snapping turtle wanders into an alligator-inhabited wetland (for example, in Florida or Louisiana), it must be cautious. Alligators often ambush prey at the water’s edge. They can seize a basking turtle or catch a swimming turtle by surprise. Juvenile and subadult snapping turtles are especially at risk. However, because their ranges only overlap in the southeastern U.S., most common snapping turtles do not encounter alligators in the wild. In areas where they do co-occur, the American alligator is a top predator that snapping turtles wisely avoid.

12. Minks

• Binomial Name: Neogale vison (American mink; formerly Mustela vison)
• Geographic Range: Most of North America (absent only from arid Southwest); introduced in Europe and South America via fur farms
• Mass: ~0.7–1.6 kg (up to 3.5 lb; males are larger than females)
• Threats: Historically over-trapped for fur (though now largely farmed). In the wild, predators like coyotes, bobcats, and great horned owls may take mink. Pollution of aquatic habitats can also affect them.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). American mink populations are stable; considered invasive in Europe where escaped mink harm native wildlife.

The American mink is a semiaquatic mammal and a skilled predator that occasionally preys on snapping turtles. Minks have long, slender bodies with rich brown to almost black fur. They are at home both on land and in water, often hunting along streams, marshes, and ponds. A mink’s diet typically consists of fish, frogs, crayfish, small rodents, and birds. However, minks are bold for their size and will attack larger prey if given the opportunity.

There are observations of minks killing small adult snapping turtles. A mink can grab a turtle by the head or limb, and with their sharp teeth, they often target the softer areas of a turtle’s body. In documented cases, minks have eaten the internal organs of snappers after killing them, indicating they likely attack hibernating or sluggish individuals. A small or medium-sized snapper (especially one under about 25 cm shell length) could fall victim to a determined mink. Fortunately, such incidents aren’t common. Snapping turtles are well-defended by their shell and bite, and minks usually prefer easier meals. Nonetheless, in wetlands where minks and snappers coexist, an occasional clash can put a turtle on the menu.

13. Northern River Otters

• Binomial Name: Lontra canadensis
• Geographic Range: Most of Canada and the United States (absent in arid southwest U.S.); reintroduced in some areas where previously extirpated
• Mass: ~5–14 kg (11–30 lb)
• Threats: In the past, unregulated trapping for fur and water pollution caused declines. Today, primary threats are habitat degradation and pollution (otters are sensitive to water quality). Large alligators or bobcats may prey on otters occasionally.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). North American river otter populations have rebounded in many regions due to conservation efforts. Protected by laws and ongoing wetland restoration.

Northern river otters are agile, aquatic predators that sometimes turn to turtles as prey. These otters are sleek, brown-furred mammals well adapted to life in the water. They inhabit rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal areas throughout much of North America. Fish are their primary food, supplemented by crayfish, crabs, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals or birds.

While an adult snapping turtle is a tough opponent for an otter, there have been instances of otters killing adult snappers – particularly in winter when turtles are hibernating. In cold climates, snapping turtles brumate (hibernate) underwater, often burying themselves in the mud at pond bottoms. Otters, with their keen sense of smell and dive ability, have been known to seek out these sluggish turtles under the ice. In one notable case, river otters found a communal hibernation spot of snapping turtles and killed multiple adult turtles in a short period. The otters typically eat the softer parts (entrails) and leave behind much of the shell and bones. Outside of hibernation, a healthy adult snapper is usually too formidable for otters, but younger turtles could be caught. Otters are clever and opportunistic, so a snapping turtle must always be on guard when sharing waters with these sleek hunters.

14. Alligator Snapping Turtles

• Binomial Name: Macrochelys temminckii
• Geographic Range: Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley of the United States (from Florida panhandle west to East Texas; north up the Mississippi River to Illinois/Kentucky)
• Mass: Up to 100 kg (220 lb) in very large males (commonly 20–60 kg)
• Threats: Severe declines from past overharvesting for meat, as well as habitat loss. Slow growth and reproduction make recovery difficult. Illegal poaching still a concern.
• Conservation Status: **Endangered** (IUCN). Also protected under U.S. law (many states list it as threatened/endangered; CITES Appendix II regulates international trade).

The alligator snapping turtle is often regarded as the “dinosaur” of turtles – a massive, prehistoric-looking species that can even prey on other turtles. While alligator snappers and common snappers belong to the same family (Chelydridae), the alligator snapper grows much larger and has a more restricted range in the southeastern U.S. This species is mostly aquatic and rarely leaves the water except to nest.

Alligator snapping turtles have extremely powerful jaws and a head full of thick, bony ridges. They are known to eat anything they can catch, including fish, frogs, snakes, and indeed other turtles. There are records of alligator snappers biting common snapping turtles in half or consuming them outright when given the chance. Such predation might happen if a smaller common snapper wanders into the territory of a large alligator snapper (for instance, in shared waterways of the Deep South). It’s a bit of a cannibalistic situation – a big snapping turtle preying on a smaller snapping turtle. Given their size and strength, alligator snappers are one of the few creatures that can crack a turtle shell. Fortunately for common snappers, the ranges only overlap in certain states. But in those areas, an alligator snapping turtle is an apex predator that even other turtles must beware.

Curious about how Alligator Snappers compare to Common Snappers? We’ve got you covered here.

15. Coyotes 

• Binomial Name: Canis latrans
• Geographic Range: Nearly all of North America (originally Western and Central North America, now expanded coast-to-coast from Alaska to Panama)
• Mass: ~8–18 kg (18–40 lb)
• Threats: Heavily persecuted by humans (trapping, hunting, poisoning) due to conflicts with livestock, yet populations persist. Natural mortality from larger predators is minor (mountain lions or wolves may kill coyotes).
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Coyote populations are high and expanding; extremely adaptable to human-altered landscapes.

The coyote is a highly adaptable wild canid that has spread into every corner of North America. Resembling a medium-sized dog with a bushy tail and often grayish-brown coat, coyotes thrive in habitats ranging from open prairies and deserts to forests and even urban areas. Historically found mostly in the plains and western states, coyotes are now common in the east and south as well, including areas where snapping turtles live.

Clever and opportunistic, coyotes will certainly eat turtles if available. Coyotes have been observed digging up turtle nests to eat the eggs, similar to foxes and raccoons. Unlike those smaller predators, a coyote is also capable of taking on larger prey. There are reports of coyotes attacking adult snapping turtles on land. A coyote might attempt to flip a turtle to expose its softer underside or repeatedly bite at the turtle’s head or limbs. A big snapper can fend off a single coyote for a while, but if the turtle is small or there are multiple coyotes, the turtle could be killed. Coyotes are one of the very few land predators in North America that can even pose a risk to an adult snapping turtle. Fortunately, such encounters are infrequent – a snapping turtle’s aquatic lifestyle and aggressive defense usually keep it safe. Still, in droughts or situations where turtles travel over land (e.g., a female seeking a nesting site), a roaming coyote presents a real danger.

16. American Black Bears

• Binomial Name: Ursus americanus
• Geographic Range: Most of forested North America (from Alaska and most of Canada down through the Appalachians, Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest, New England, and into northern Mexico)
• Mass: Highly variable; typically 45–200 kg (100–441 lb) with males larger
• Threats: Habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflicts (vehicle collisions, nuisance kills). Natural predation on black bears is minimal (occasional wolf pack or larger bear). Hunting is regulated but still a mortality factor.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN). Widespread and generally increasing in number in recent decades. Locally listed as game species with managed harvest.

American black bears are omnivorous bruins that generally eat a diet of fruits, nuts, insects, and occasional meat. It may come as a surprise, but black bears will consume turtles if the opportunity arises. Black bears are found across huge swaths of North America, often in forested areas with plentiful water and undergrowth. They are excellent swimmers and are comfortable foraging in wetland environments where snapping turtles live.

An adult black bear is certainly strong enough to break a turtle’s shell. If a bear finds a medium-sized turtle, it might use its powerful jaws to crush the shell or its long claws to pry it open. Bears have been documented eating turtles (more commonly smaller species, but a snapper could be on the menu if accessible). Bears also dig up turtle nests on occasion to eat the eggs – their incredible sense of smell can detect the scent of eggs or nest disturbance from far away. However, turtles are not a staple food for bears; they are more of an opportunistic snack. Black bears spend more time gorging on berries, acorns, or insect larvae than chasing turtles. Still, in the wild, a hungry bear will take advantage of any high-protein meal it stumbles upon, and that can include a snapping turtle that can’t get to water in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Snapping Turtle Predators Summary

Conclusion

Adult snapping turtles have very few predators in nature. Their aggressive defensive behavior, large size, and rough shell deter most carnivores from messing with them. Even so, humans still hunt them in some areas for food (turning them into soup, for instance). In the water, adult snappers often avoid confrontation altogether by hiding themselves in muddy bottoms.

In contrast, eggs and hatchlings face a gauntlet of predators. Raccoons (Procyon lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and coyotes (Canis latrans) are among the mammals that routinely dig up turtle nests. Large birds (herons, crows, gulls) will snatch hatchlings, and even bullfrogs and water snakes take their toll on the tiny turtles.

Sub-adult and adult snapping turtles do have some natural enemies – notably river otters, alligators, and crafty coyotes – but these encounters are relatively uncommon. Most of the time, a big snapper lurking at the bottom of a murky pond gets to play the role of predator, not prey. By the time a snapping turtle reaches maturity, it stands a good chance of living a long life, as long as it can avoid the dinner plates of human beings.

Sources

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). www.fws.gov
• NatureServe Explorer. explorer.natureserve.org
• Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). parcplace.org
• Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR). fmr.org
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) species factsheets. www.usgs.gov
• Journal of Wildlife Management & Herpetological Conservation studies (multiple reports on nest predation, otter predation, and hibernation risks)