• The snapping turtle has several enemies in the wild.horned snapping turtle image by Lucid_Exposure from Fotolia.com
  
  There are many different species of snapping turtles, from the small common snapping turtle to the massive alligator snapping turtle. Snapping turtles are fast moving, but aren't able to hide in their shells as efficiently as other species of turtles. The snapping turtle has many different types of enemies, including humans and natural predators that attack eggs and young turtles.
  
  

Wildlife

• Wildlife and domestic animals often prey upon hatchling snapping turtles and eggs. These can include dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, fish and other turtles. The young turtle's small size makes it extremely vulnerable to become food for other wildlife. Snapping turtle eggs can also become a quick and easy meal for egg-eating predators such as snakes and raccoons.
  
  

Humans

• Some larger species of snapping turtle, such as the alligator snapping turtle, have no natural predators as adults aside from humans. Humans often kill or trap snapping turtles for their shells, meat or for the pet trade. In some cases, anglers accidentally catch snapping turtles on their lines or in nets and then kill them in order to get the lure or hooks back without being bitten. Some anglers may kill snapping turtles deliberately because they believe the turtles eat all the fish in their favorite fishing spots, although snapping turtles actually pose more danger to waterfowl than fish populations.
  
  

Vehicles

• Snapping turtles are very often run over by cars in populated areas. They may be trying to cross the road to get to a body of water or return to their favorite nesting site. Cars can hit snapping turtles accidentally, especially smaller species that may be difficult to see. Some drivers may hit the turtles deliberately either for their own amusement or because they are under the common misconception that snapping turtles are dangerous to humans.