Common Snapping Turtle, DelawareCommon snapping turtles are a prehistoric-looking reptiles known for powerful jaws, a spiked tail, and a tough, ridged shell. They live in freshwater habitats across most of North America, and spend most of their time buried in mud or lurking just beneath the surface with only eyes and nostrils exposed. They can live for decades and they play an important role in their ecosystem by scavenging and keeping aquatic environments clean. I photographed this one in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5 at 1/500th of a second.