How does the snapping turtles reproductive system work?

Snapping turtles reproduce through external fertilization, with males engaging in courtship displays to attract females. During mating, the male climbs onto the female's shell and aligns their bodies for copulation. After mating, the female lays eggs in a nest dug into the ground, typically in sandy or loose soil, and can lay anywhere from 20 to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs incubate for about 70 to 90 days before hatching, depending on environmental conditions.