This real snapping turtle skull exhibits notable pathological features, including abnormal growth across the skull and pathology affecting the right mandibular joint. These characteristics make it an excellent educational resource for studying disease processes, anatomical variations, and comparative skeletal morphology in reptiles.

The common snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle found across much of North America, known for its powerful jaws and defensive nature on land. It has a rugged, ridged shell, a long tail, and a thick neck with a sharp beak-like mouth capable of delivering a strong bite—powerful enough to break through sticks and even small bones. Despite their fierce reputation, snapping turtles are generally shy in the water and prefer to stay hidden in muddy bottoms of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

• Presents with growth across skull
• Presents with pathology on right mandibular joint
• Skull - Pathology Length 12.9 cm (5.1 in)
• Skull - Pathology Width 8.8 cm (3.5 in)
• Skull - Pathology Height 6.9 cm (2.7 in)