This Unique Snapping Turtle Spotted in Austin Is Stopping People in Their Tracks
If you've ever seen a snapping turtle, you know they aren't usually considered the cutest animals around, but one spotted in Austin, Texas, is making people do a serious double-take. Completely covered in moss and algae, the unusual-looking turtle somehow manages to look, well, kind of adorable.
Thanks to two perfectly placed growths resembling buttons for eyes and a curved line that looks like a giant smile, the turtle appears to have a cheerful little face, and the internet is completely fascinated by it. And after watching TikToker Cosette's video, you probably will be, too.
@cozisadventures The coolest turtle in Austin!! Follow me for more adventures and wildlife encounters!! #pov#foryou#storytime#outdooradventures#turtle
Scott street x i know the end - michà
In the caption, Cosette called this snapping turtle "the coolest turtle in Austin!!", and we can all agree with her on that!
One commenter shared a picture of an animated Fortnite character that the snapping turtle resembles and got 34,000 likes when he asked, "Klombo, is that you?!" @Mads_869 got more than 89,000 likes when she pointed out, "Bro's been there for decades."
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Why Snapping Turtles Sometimes Grow Moss and Algae on Their Shells
Snapping turtles spend almost all of their time underwater, typically surfacing every 5 to 45 minutes for air before heading right back down to the bottom again.
Quinton White, executive director of the Marine Science Research Center at Jacksonville University, explains that the longer snapping turtles stay submerged, the more likely algae, moss, and other growths are to develop on their shells. And it's not just snapping turtles; these kinds of growths can happen on almost any turtle, depending on the water conditions where they live.
Some snapping turtles spend more time basking in the sun during warmer months, which can dry out the algae and moss until they eventually rub or flake off.
So why are they called snapping turtles? The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission explains that they defend themselves aggressively when threatened, snapping and biting with their incredibly strong jaws and necks, not to mention their surprisingly large claws that help protect them.
That said, despite their intimidating reputation, snapping turtles generally aren't aggressive unless provoked. As North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission notes, they usually only bite or lunge when they feel threatened or are intentionally bothered.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM.