Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution extends from southeastern Canada, throughout the eastern United States, and into the northeastern parts of Mexico. The species is prevalent in numerous states across the U.S., particularly along the East Coast and into the Midwest.

The common snapping turtle commonly inhabits freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, swamps, and marshes. It thrives in water bodies with soft muddy or sandy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation. These environments typically feature temperate climates, although the species is known to adapt to a range of temperatures provided there is suitable aquatic habitat.

As a keystone species, Chelydra serpentina plays an important role in its ecosystem by helping to keep fish populations balanced and cleaning up dead animal matter as a scavenger. It is both predator and prey within its food web, preying on fish, amphibians, birds, and small mammals while young turtles are predated upon by birds, mammals, and larger fish.