Alligator snapping turtle
The Alligator snapping turtle is the largest species of freshwater turtle, primarily found in the Southeast, Midwest, and Southeastern United States, as well as throughout the Western Hemisphere. This turtle is known for its unique hunting method, using a worm-like growth on its mouth as bait to attract prey, such as fish. Alligator snapping turtles have a robust physical appearance, characterized by large heads, strong jaws, and tough, bumpy shells that often harbor algae. They can reach lengths of about two feet and weigh around 200 pounds.
These turtles are omnivorous, consuming a diverse diet that includes insects, smaller turtles, and carrion. With a naturally low reproduction rate, their populations have been declining due to overfishing and habitat loss from overdevelopment. They lay clutches of 30 to 40 eggs on land, after which the female has no further contact with the offspring. Alligator snapping turtles have a lifespan of approximately 60 years and display remarkable adaptability, being able to breathe through their skin while submerged in water. Efforts are underway in the 2020s to protect this fascinating species as their numbers continue to diminish.
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Alligator snapping turtle
The Alligator snapping turtle is the largest species of freshwater turtle. It can be found throughout the Western Hemisphere. In the United States, its habitats are primarily located in the Southeast, Midwest, and Southeastern states. Alligator snapping turtles have a special way of "fishing" for their prey. They have a worm-like growth attached to their mouths which they use as bait. The growth fills with blood and turns red, so it looks like a worm. Alligator snapping turtles wiggle the growth outside their mouths and wait for their prey. As fish see the "worm" and start swimming toward it, alligator snapping turtles snap out their heads and close their mighty jaws around their prey. In the 2020s, decreasing numbers of Alligator snapping turtles led to calls for protection. This species has a naturally low reproduction rate. In addition, large numbers of Alligator snapping turtles are captured by recreational or commercial fishing operations. The species' habitats have also been subjected to overdevelopment.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Chelonia
Family: Chelydridae
Genus: Macroclemys
Species: Temminckii
Alligator snapping turtles may have been given the name alligator for their appearance. They have large, hard heads, strong jaws, sharp claws, and long tails. Like other turtles they have tough, hard outer shells which protect their softer body parts. These shells have two parts. The top part of the shells, the part covering the turtles' backs, are called the carapaces. The underneath part, the part covering the turtles' bellies, are called the plastrons. The carapaces and plastrons are connected by a bridge of tiny bones that extend upward from the plastron. Alligator snapping turtles have dull gray, black, or brown carapaces which are often covered with algae, small living organisms. Their carapaces are made of raised, bumpy-looking, joined scales, called scutes. Their plastrons are slightly smaller and lighter colored than their carapaces. They grow to be about two feet (60 centimeters) long and weigh about 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Alligator snapping turtles, like other turtles, are able to change their breathing patterns to adapt to their surroundings. When on land, alligator snapping turtles breathe through their lungs, but when in water they breathe through their skin.
Alligator snapping turtles are found walking around on the bottoms of freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds from Canada to the northwestern parts of South America. Alligator snapping turtles are omnivorous. That means they eat both meat and plants. Their diet includes a variety of insects, fish, smaller turtles, mollusks, plants, and carrion, or dead animal flesh. Alligator snapping turtles have a worm-like growth on their mouth which they use to attract their prey. Their live animal prey is lured in by their special worm-like bait.
Like other turtles, alligator snapping turtles lay their round eggs on land. They lay clutches, or batches, of 30 to 40 eggs in nest. The females build their nests by digging out a patch of dirt or sand and putting the eggs in that hole. These eggs are one to two inches (three to five centimeters) wide. After the eggs are laid, the female goes back into the water and has no further contact with her young. The time between the laying of the eggs and the hatching of the eggs is called the incubation period.
Alligator snapping turtles use their hard shells and sharp claws to protect themselves from predators such alligators. When alligator snapping turtles are approached by a predator, they raise their bodies and lunge at their attacker. Young alligator snapping turtles are also threatened by skunks and raccoons which raid turtles nests.
Alligator snapping turtles have a life span of about 60 years.
Bibliography
“Alligator Snapping Turtle.” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/Alligator-Snapping-Turtle. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.
“Proposed Listing of the Alligator Snapping Turtle Under the Endangered Species Act.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 8 Nov. 2021, www.fws.gov/story/2021-11/proposed-listing-alligator-snapping-turtle-under-endangered-species-act. Accessed 14 Mar. 2021.