ALLGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE
(Macroclennys temminckii)The alligator snapping turtle is the largest species of turtle in the world. The one you see here weighs nearly 200 pounds and is over 75 years old. Due to rapid population declines resulting from habitat loss these turtles are protected in all 50 states in the United States. Alligator snapping turtles in the wild eat primarily fish,but will also eat mussels,clams and small turtles.This species is normally found in large river pools and oxbow lakes and can hold their breath for nearly an hour. You may distinguish this turtle from the more abundant common snapping turtle by the hooked beak,large head,ridges on the shell and the spike-like tubercles around its neck. Please do your part to protect our waterways and the unique creatures found within them.