Size:  Average length varies from 8 to 14 inches (20.3-36 cm.) while weight ranges from 10 to about 50 pounds (4.5-22.5 kg).
Description:  Otherwise known as the "freshwater loggerhead"; its body color varies from black to light brown.  Distinguishable features include its large head, small plastron, long tail, and strong limbs.  It's carpace is often sharply serrated and covered with algal growth.  Males are usually larger than females.
Habitat:  Any permanent body of fresh water appears to be a suitable environment.
Range:  Occupies the entire Eastern U.S. from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Plains.  Found throughout North Carolina.
Behavior:  Usually do not bask like many turtles do, but prefer to remain in the water.  When encountered in the water these turtles exhibit a passive attitude, retreating into their shells if threatened.  On land they will open their mouths and lunge at potential enemies.  Agitated snappers release a musk similar to that produced by musk turtles.
Diet:  Feed on both meat and vegetation.  Diet, includes fish, carrion, and aquatic invertebrates.
Note:  Snapping turtles are often encountered in spring and summer as they move from pond to pond and females search for nesting sites. If you see one of these turtles it is best to leave it alone although carefully moving a turtle off a busy road is a good idea. Snapping turtles have unusually long necks and can inflict a painful bite so handling these turtles in not recommended.

Range of the Snapping Turtle in the Carolinas and Virginia