Welcome to Fast Facts with Reasons for Hope! I’m Carl Kerby and, today, we’re going to examine the “dinosaur turtle of the world.”
The name actually comes from its distinct look of a long, thick tail and a bony, pointy shell.
Its tail is thick, even longer than its shell, and is useful for balancing, mating, and even fighting.
Its undershell is small so even its legs and tail will have rough bumps (tubercles) and sharp, bear-like claws to help protect it.
Have you ever heard the expression “beware the turtle with the long tail”? It’s a warning not to pick up a snapping turtle. That’s because of another incredible feature – its neck.
Its neck measures up to nineteen inches long, can bend in any direction, and can move freely like a snake. This means it can quickly reach around and bite you with its powerful jaw and large head!
Join us next time when we take a closer look at that snap! Until then, stay bold!
Karl Kerby is the founder of Reasons for Hope and co-creator of the DeBunked apologetic video series. His radio feature, Fast Facts, is heard weekly on VCY America, Saturdays at 9:25 AM Central.
