How long do snapping turtles live?
It’s something you should know before even considering keeping one. Everybody knows that turtles live long lives, but what’s the exact lifespan of a snapping turtle. I was curious, so I’ve made some research. Here’s what I’ve found out…
How long do snapping turtles live? The common snapping turtle lives a maximum of 100 years in the wild, and usually between 30 to 45 years in captivity. The alligator snapping turtle lives a maximum of 200 years in the wild, and typically between 20 and 70 years in captivity.
Every pet owner wants their pet to live a long and comfortable life. They spend money, energy and everything they can to ensure their pets live the lives they deserve. It’s devastating when your pet dies at a young age. It’s the same with snapping turtles owners. If you are interested to learn more about snapping turtles, keep reading. I included several tips on how your snapping turtle can live a longer and better life.
Let’s get started.
How long do snapping turtles live in the wild
It’s believed that alligator snapping turtles can live up to 200 years in the wild. However, there are no known cases to confirm that fact. What’s most likely is a snapping turtle to live somewhere between 80 to 120 years in the wild.
Snapping turtles in the wild face some real challenges, unlike those that are raised in captivity. They are most vulnerable in their juvenile period. If they survive the first years of their lives, then they’ll probably live a long life.
Once they’ve reached a certain age, snapping turtles don’t have real predators. However, they often get hit by cars, while trying to cross the road.
How long do snapping turtles live in captivity
Alligator snapping turtles live approximately between 20 to 70 years in captivity. Keep that in mind if you ever get interested in keeping one.
Snapping turtles have higher survival rates in captivity simply because they have a regular supply of food, shelter and they are protected from predators.
How to Increase your Alligator Snapping Turtle Lifespan
As a responsible snapping turtle owner, you want the best for your pet. If you want to raise a healthy snapping turtle that will live a long and comfortable life, some criteria must be met.
There are many factors that determine the length of an alligator snapping turtle lifespan. Here are some of the most important steps you should take to increase your snapping turtle lifespan.
- Buying a healthy snapping turtle
- Creating an appropriate habitat
- Feeding a snapping turtle
Buy a Healthy Snapping Turtle
No matter how much you try, no matter how much you take care of your turtle, if you buy an unhealthy baby snapping turtle, it won’t live long.
Always buy your turtles from reputable breeders that take care well for their animals. It’s the only way to be sure that you’ll be raising a healthy turtle.
Creating an Appropriate Habitat
Before you go and buy a snapping turtle, first, you need to set up a tank. Snapping turtles have the same requirements as any other aquatic turtles. Clean water, a heat source, and a place for swimming and hiding.
Feeding a Snapping Turtle
The diet is one of the most important aspects of raising a snapping turtle that’ll live a long and healthy life. Snapping turtles need a diverse diet, including both foods from animal and plant origin. If you are interested to learn more check out our article on that subject: What do baby snapping turtles eat?
The Oldest Snapping Turtle in the World
I bet you are curious and want to know what was the oldest snapping turtle that ever lived.
At least, I am.
How long do alligator snapping turtles live in the wild is poorly unknown, however, scientists believe that they might live up to 200 years.
But the average lifespan of an alligator snapping turtle is highly unlikely to be that high. It’s usually a maximum of 120 years in the wild, and as we mentioned earlier, between 20 to 70 years in captivity.
I did a little digging, and I’ve found that the oldest living snapping turtle in captivity was a turtle called by the name Thunder.
Thunder, an alligator snapping turtle, was living in the Newport Aquarium since 1999, and at the time of her death, was estimated to be 150 years old. She sadly passed away in 2016, and she’ll be forever known as one of the most iconic animals at the Newport Aquarium.
Can you believe that an animal once bought as a pet can easily outlive you? Unreal, if you ask me.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy reading this article and you found the answer to the question: How long do snapping turtles live?
The Snapping turtle is an unusual animal to keep as a pet. Not many people can handle them. However, if you are one of those people interested in keeping this animal, you probably want to learn how you can increase your snapping turtle lifespan.
In order to achieve that, you just need to follow the instructions I’ve mentioned earlier in this article. Every turtle deserves to live a long, healthy, and good life. And I am confident that you can provide that.
I take care of an Alligator Snapper who is somewhere around 150 years old.
His name is Big AL. He resides at The Grove in Glenview,IL. Contact me and I’ll introduce you to him