Fast Facts: Snapping Turtles – Part I

Carl Kerby

Welcome to Fast Facts with Reasons for Hope! I’m Carl Kerby and, today, we’re going to take time to explore a creature that’s uniquely American.

This creature lives throughout North America and is the official state reptile of New York. Give Up? It’s the snapping turtle.  

Although it’s named for its ferocious bite, it’s actually pretty docile, avoiding people and not biting unless provoked. 

Instead, it spends its days submerged in logs or roots, waiting for fish to swim by. It can holding its breath for up to fifty minutes and is so motionless that algae will grow on its shell. Talk about patience!

Although it’s aquatic, it doesn’t really swim and chooses to bask on the water’s surface instead of on land.

There is so much more to discover about this freshwater giant so join us again next time and, until then, stay bold!

Karl Kerby is the founder of Reasons for Hope and co-creator of the DeBunked apologetic video series. His radio feature, Fast Facts, is heard weekly on VCY America, Saturdays at 9:25 AM Central.

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