The common snapping turtle is Maryland's largest freshwater turtle weighting on average between 9–35 pounds. These imposing turtles have large heads, keels along the center top of their shells, and long tails with three rows of spiky tubercles. They are commonly found in shallow streams and ponds, although during nesting season—from late April to mid-June—you may even spot them on land as they travel to lay their eggs. Despite their moniker, common snapping turtles are a docile species, spending much of their lives hidden in mud just under the surface of the water, utilizing nostrils set on the tip of their snouts as snorkels.