How to Catch Snapping Turtle in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Now that April has arrived, players have the opportunity to obtain a number of new fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While not technically a fish, Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Snapping Turtle is one of the new species that fans must use their fishing rods to catch, and this guide looks to provide assistance to players that are currently trying to locate this critter.

As stated, the Snapping Turtle in Animal Crossing: New Horizons begins appearing in April in the Northern Hemisphere, and it will be available until the end of October. For those fans in the Southern Hemisphere, this seasonality is shifted to October through April, and this substantial time frame means that players in both regions have ample opportunity to catch this April ACNH fish.

RELATED: How to Catch Giant Water Bug in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

That said, Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Snapping Turtle is not available at all times of the day during these months, as it only spawns between the hours of 9pm and 4am. Indeed, the Snapping Turtle in ACNH is somewhat of a night owl, and players that are hunting for one can simultaneously be on the lookout for some of the game's other nocturnal critters, such as the Atlas Moth and Giant Water Bug.

With respect to location, the Snapping Turtle in New Horizons spawns in rivers, and it appears as a very large shadow. Players that would like to get a look at the Snapping Turtle's shadow size are advised to reference the video above, and they should then keep an eye peeled for these shadows in rivers at night. For those fans that would like to be a bit more proactive in catching ACNH's Snapping Turtle, fishing on Mystery Islands can be very effective or else fish bait can be employed.

In summary, players that are trying to catch Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Snapping Turtle should look for very large shadows in rivers from 9pm to 4am. Additionally, they should make sure that they are fishing during the appropriate months (April through October in the Northern Hemisphere and October through April in the Southern Hemisphere), and with those criteria met, it will only be a matter of time before a fan is donating a Snapping Turtle to Blathers or selling it for 5,000 Bells.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now for Nintendo Switch.

MORE: 10 Hidden Secrets Many Still Haven’t Found In Animal Crossing: New Horizons