Alligator Snapping Turtle
Common Name: Alligator Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckii
Names: N/A
Locations: Whitby, Vaughan & London
Diet
Alligator Snapping Turtles are omnivores, with a diet that includes fish, amphibians, snakes, small mammals, aquatic vegetation, and carrion. They are known for their unique hunting technique of using a worm-like appendage on their tongue to lure fish.
Average lifespan
Alligator Snapping Turtles can live 50 to 100 years in the wild, with some individuals potentially living even longer.
Size
Adult Alligator Snapping Turtles typically have a shell length of 40 to 80 centimeters (16 to 32 inches).
Weight
They can weigh between 70 to 90 kilograms (150 to 200 pounds), with some large individuals exceeding this range.
About
Alligator Snapping Turtles are native to the southeastern United States, primarily found in river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps with muddy bottoms and abundant vegetation, providing ample cover and hunting grounds.
Size and behavior
These turtles are known for their large size and prehistoric appearance, characterized by a rough, ridged shell and powerful jaws. They are generally solitary and spend most of their time submerged, often lying motionless on the riverbed with their mouths open to ambush prey. They are not active swimmers but can move with surprising speed when necessary.
Diet and nutrition
In the wild, Alligator Snapping Turtles use their worm-like tongue appendage to lure fish into their mouths. They also scavenge for carrion and consume various aquatic plants. In captivity, their diet can be replicated with a mix of fish, meat, and plant matter, ensuring they receive a balanced diet with the necessary nutrients.
Conservation status
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, water pollution, and overharvesting. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, legal protection, and raising awareness about the species.
Fun fact
Alligator Snapping Turtles are often referred to as the “dinosaur of the turtle world” due to their primitive appearance and long lifespan. They have a unique method of hunting where they remain perfectly still and use their worm-like tongue to attract prey, a technique that requires minimal energy and allows them to capture unsuspecting fish efficiently.
Call or visit your local Reptilia Facility to learn how you can adopt one of these amazing reptiles.
