In the wild, common snapping turtles are found mainly in ponds, canals and streams .

Although they prefer slow moving and shallow waters, snappers can be
found living on the edge of deeper lakes or rivers - like the ones around the Great Lakes in North America.

Contrary to their heavy appearance, the snapping turtles with their powerful leg muscles are very good swimmers, but unlike other turtles, they don't do much swimming. If not moving around, they like to wait and hunt for fish or any other animal of prey from a chosen, well camouflaged place. Therefore, snappers prefare muddy bottoms with some driftwood and a lot of vegetation - a perfect hideout.

Snapping turtles found in northern and eastern parts of North America hibernate in winter. They are very hardy animals and are even observed walking under ice, like the one pictured below. (image by Keith)

They have been also observed living in brackish (fresh mixed with salt) waters.