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Learn how strong a snapping turtle's bite is, how it compares to other animals, and what to do if you encounter one. Find answers to common questions about snapping turtles, such as their lifespan, diet, habitat, and predators.
One study found that the bite force of a large common snapping turtle could exceed 1000 Newtons, which is equivalent to the force required to lift a small car. This impressive bite force places common snapping turtles among the top predators in their ecosystems.
It may be tempting to rescue a common snapping turtle found on a road by getting it to bite a stick and then dragging it out of immediate danger. This action can, however, severely scrape the legs and underside of the turtle and lead to deadly infections in the wounds.
Learn about the jaw anatomy, aggressive behavior, and bite force of snapping turtles, two of the largest freshwater turtles in North America. Compare their bite strength to other animals and find out how to interact with them safely.
Snapping turtles can produce 1000 PSI of pressure force with the help of sharp beak and strong jaws which is more than enough to bite off the finger. So, never try to be a daredevil by bringing your hand near snapping turtle’s mouth.
These turtles have incredibly powerful jaws and can exert a bite force of over 1000 pounds per square inch, making them one of the strongest-biting animals in the world. The turtle with the highest bite force known is the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii).
The average common snapping turtle can bite with a force of about 210 Newtons; alligator snapping turtles aren't quite as powerful, with a bite force of 160 Newtons. That may seem pretty impressive, but a little context may prove otherwise.
