Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macroclemys temminckii
Class
Reptilia
Order
Chelonia
Family
Chelydridae
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Range
Southeastern United States
Size
Length: Up to 2.5 ft
Weight: Can reach over 200 lbs
Habitat
Prefer deep water of large rivers, canals, lakes, and swamps
Young
Clutch: 8 to 52 eggs
Incubation: 3.5 - 4.5 months
Diet
Fish, frogs, snakes, snails, worms, clams, crawfish, turtles, and aquatic plants
IUCN Status
Vulnerable
The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America.
It can stay submerged for up to 50 minutes before it needs to come up to the surface to breathe.
Algae-Covered Ambush
Alligator snapping turtles are so motionless under water that algae may cover their backs and make the turtles almost invisible to fish.
Deceptive Angler
They lure fish into their mouth by wiggling their tongue, which has a special attachment shaped like a worm. When a curious fish or other unwary prey tries to eat the decoy "worm," the turtle's massive jaws close on the prey.
Status
Alligator snapping turtles suffer from habitat loss, water pollution, and over-harvesting. These turtles have been heavily trapped for meat for consumers both inside and outside the United States.
How You Can Help
Avoid Harmful Fishing Practices. Turtles can easily get hooked on fishing lines or drown on unattended lines like trotlines and limb-lines. If you fish, check your lines frequently. If you accidentally catch one, release it immediately and unharmed.
Never Release a Pet Turtle into the Wild. If you know of someone with an unwanted pet turtle (of any species), educate them on the dangers of releasing it. Released pets can introduce diseases and compete with native wildlife. Look for a rescue or sanctuary instead.
Participate in Waterway Cleanups. Alligator snapping turtles live in rivers, creeks, and swamps. Participating in a local stream, river, or lake cleanup helps remove harmful trash and pollution from their homes. Fishing line, plastic, and other debris can be deadly to them.
