Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macroclemys temminckii
CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Chelonia
FAMILY: Chelydridae
SIZE:
Length, can reach to 3 feet; weight, over 200 lbs. Largest fresh water turtle in North America.
RANGE:
Lower Mississippi River, gulf states and around Florida to the Suwanne River
HABITAT:
River, marshland, swamps
DIET:
Wild - Omnivore -- fish and other water animals, vegtation, dead animal matter (carrion)
Zoo - Fish, other meats such as chicken, beef, horse
ADAPTATIONS:
Well camouflaged to live in murky, dark water
Has "decoy" worm on its tongue which it uses to catch fish while it lies still on the muddy bottom
Extremely powerful jaws
Remains underwater good portion of the time, but is able to travel on land supported by thick muscular legs. Breathes with lung -- must come to the surface for air.
Hibernates in groups of up to 15 animals
FACTS:
Life span of 35 - 40 years (if not eaten first)
Largest North American fresh water turtle. Gets name "alligator" from its tail.
Poor swimmer -- walks on bottom -- waits for prey instead of pursuit but will go in search of food if necessary.
LOUISIANA:
Commercial fisherman in Louisiana capture alligator snapping turtles with a baited hook mostly by trot line fishing. Some skilled fisherman however probe the water's bottom with a long pole and then use a metal hook to grab it. Overkilled in Louisiana; population seriously depleted.
HANDLING:
Lift by grasping anterior and posterior ends of carapace. Grasping and holding by tail can injure turtle's vertebrae column.
YOUNG:
Lays 17-40 round eggs in nest/hole in ground near water source. Female digs hole 20 inches deep and 1 foot around with hind feet; covers eggs by filling in hole. Eggs hatch 10 weeks later in late summer. Turtles find their way to water instinctively.
STATUS:
Vulnerable; protected in some states; suffers from over hunting.
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