Snapping turtles are freshwater turtles (family Chelydridae) named for their method of biting that are noted for their large size and aggressive nature. Snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii)Ĭommon snapping turtle ( Chelydra serpentina).Bites, as well as fatalities, to humans are rare, and the last known report of a death from Gila monster bite occurred in 1939. Many teeth have two grooves that conduct the venom, a nerve poison, from glands in the lower jaw. The large head and muscular jaws of the Gila monster yield a strong bite that is held while venom seeps into the wound. Fat stored in the tail and abdomen at this time is utilized during the winter months. They are the largest lizards in the United States.ĭuring warm weather the Gila monster feeds at night on small mammals, birds, and eggs. It grows to about 50 cm (about 20 inches), is stout-bodied with black and pink blotches or bands, and has beadlike scales. states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico and the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) was named for the Gila River Basin and occurs in parts of the U.S. Richard Weymouth Brooks/Photo Researchers Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.Britannica Classics Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives.

Black and white 2 turtle