Alligator Snapping Turtle

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Everything You Need to Know About Alligator Snapping Turtles

Beneath the waters of the southern United States, the Alligator Snapping Turtle lurks. Known for its massive size, powerful bite, and prehistoric look, this turtle is one of the most fascinating creatures in North American waters!

Size and Weight

Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) are among the largest freshwater turtles in the world. These beasts can grow to an impressive 26–39 inches (66–99 cm) in length and weigh in at over 200 pounds (90 kg) on average! Supposedly, the largest recorded Alligator Snapping Turtle weighed an incredible 249 pounds (113.4 kg) and measured nearly 30 inches (76 cm) long!

Diet

Alligator Snapping Turtles are carnivorous ambush predators, relying on their powerful jaws to catch prey. Their diet includes:

  • Fish 🐟  
  • Snakes  🐍 
  • Smaller Turtles  🐢 
  • Birds 🐦  
  • Insects  🕷️ 
  • Crustaceans (such as crayfish) 🦞 

They use a unique hunting technique where they open their mouths wide, hiding their sharp teeth, and wiggle a pink, worm-like appendage on their tongue to attract fish. Once the prey gets close, the turtle snaps its jaws shut with lightning speed!

Fun Fact: Alligator Snapping Turtles can wait submerged and motionless for so long that algae begins to grow on their shells. They can go up to 50 minutes without needing a breath of air!

Lifespan and Reproduction

In the wild, Alligator Snapping Turtles has a lifespan of up to 50 years, though some in captivity have been known to live even longer with the right care. These turtles grow slowly, reaching maturity at around 11–13 years of age.

Alligator Snapping Turtles lay their eggs in sandy nests. A female may lay anywhere from 10 to 60 eggs in a single clutch, and the eggs will incubate for around 100–140 days before hatching. The hatchlings are independent from the start and must find food and shelter immediately.

Habitat

Alligator Snapping Turtles are native to the slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes of the southeastern United States, including:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

Alligator Snapping Turtle Distribution Map In The WildThey are often found in small streams to large rivers, oxbows, springs, swamps, bayous, lakes, and canals. Their strong jaws and camouflaged appearance make them perfect ambush predators in these habitats!

Alligator Snapping Turtle Native Habitats In The Wild

Commonly Asked Questions About Alligator Snapping Turtles

Are Alligator Snapping Turtles Dangerous?

While Alligator Snapping Turtles are not aggressive toward humans, their powerful jaws can inflict serious injury if provoked. They have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom relative to their size. Always exercise caution if you encounter one in the wild!

How Strong Can an Alligator Snapping Turtle Bite?

Alligator snapping turtles have a bite force of 1,000 pounds per square inch, which is six times greater than the human bite force of 162 pounds per square inch!

How Rare Is an Alligator Snapping Turtle?

According to the IUCN Red List, the Alligator Snapping Turtle is listed as Vulnerable (VU) and is becoming increasingly rare due to habitat loss, pollution, and over-harvesting for their meat and shells. While efforts are being made to conserve their populations, their future is still uncertain. Protecting freshwater habitats and implementing conservation strategies will be essential for their survival.

Common Snapping Turtles vs. Alligator Snapping Turtles

Common Snapping Turtles are generally smaller, have smoother shells, and are more widespread across North America. In contrast, Alligator Snapping Turtles are larger, have heavily ridged, spiked shells, and feature a worm-like lure on their tongue to attract prey.

Additional Fun Facts About Alligator Snapping Turtles

  • Alligator Snapping Turtles are primarily solitary creatures, only interacting during the breeding season.
  • Its alligator-like head and ridged shell help it blend into its swampy, murky habitat.
  • Alligator Snapping Turtles are one of the oldest turtle species still alive today, dating back over 200 million years!

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