Snapping Turtle!

A common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina. 

I saw this big snapping turtle sunning himself on the shore of  The Reservoir in Central Park on one of the first warm sunny days of the year last week.

The snapping turtle is New York's official state reptile. Big ones can grow to around 18 inches long and weigh about 35 pounds. Wild snappers like this one are estimated to live for about 30 years.

Click on the photos to enlarge.