Alligator Snapping Turtle
The largest freshwater turtle in North America, the Alligator Snapping Turtle has a fearsome name, but it is actually a less aggressive relative of the Snapping Turtle, albeit larger. The alligator snapping turtle can be found in South Carolina, Florida, and as far north as South Dakota.
Physiology
The alligator snapping turtle has a long, thick tale, with a heavy head and a primitive appearance. The turtles can grow quite large, and there was rumored to be a 403-pound turtle found in Kansas in 1937, albeit unverified.
The larges, confirmed weight, was 236 pounds. On average, they will have shells that are about 26 inches in length, and weight 175 pounds.
The alligator snapping turtle has an incredible bite strength and can become very aggressive if it is cornered.
Typically, the animals will eat minnows and smaller fish, but their natural diet consists of aquatic plant life, dead fish carcasses, carrion and amphibians. They also eat snakes and other turtles when they have to.
The alligator snapping turtle takes 12 years to reach maturity, and will live on average for 70 years, but are capable of living upwards of 150 years.
Conservation
The alligator snapping turtle has been listed as a threatened species due to hunting and habitat loss. As well, the turtles suffer from getting caught in ‘trot lines’, which are recreational fishing lines.
Since being labeled a threatened species in 2006, it is given international protection, and there are limits on its exportation from the United States as a result.
Listed as threatened as a whole, there are several states, including Illinois, that list it as endangered.
Conclusion
The alligator snapping turtle is a the largest turtle in North America and one of the longest living as well. As a result, it is very important that the turtle is protected at all costs to ensure it does not disappear as a result of losing its habitat, or through the negligence that arises from hunting or fishing.
Many organizations have been setup to save the alligator snapping turtle and some colonies have made comebacks over the past few years.
For a turtle that spends most of its life in the water, with only females coming up to lay eggs in the sand, the turtle is well-known to many people across the United States and has become a symbol of longevity and perseverance for hundreds of years.