The family Chelydridae, in the order Testudines (turtles), comprises the snapping turtles, including the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). These freshwater turtles are known for their robust, heavily armored shells, powerful jaws, and aggressive defensive behavior. Chelydrids are primarily aquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and swamps in North and Central America. They are omnivorous but lean toward carnivory, feeding on fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and carrion. With their strong bite and relatively sedentary lifestyle, they play an important ecological role as both predators and scavengers in aquatic ecosystems.