Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macrochelys temminckii

This is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world; wild specimens have been collected that weighed more than 300 pounds. This snapper sits on the bottom of shallow still water and waits for passing prey. It will sometimes open its mouth and wiggle its pink, wormlike tongue to lure fish and other curious prey items within range. The only time you will see this turtle out of the water is when females come out onto land to lay eggs.

Look For : A very large freshwater turtle (largest in U.S. and Canada) with 3 high keels on shell and a huge head with a hooked beak. Shell and skin dark brown to grayish.

Length : 13-30".

Habitat : Deep rivers, lakes.

Range : Mississippi Valley, eastern Texas to Florida, rivers draining into Gulf of Mexico.