2021年11月9日 · The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is the largest freshwater turtle in the United States. This hulking, dinosaur-like turtle lurks along the bottom of waterways in the Midwest, Southeast, and some parts of the Southwest.

The alligator snapping turtle is given its common name because of its immensely powerful jaws and distinct ridges on its shell that are similar in appearance to the rough, ridged skin of an alligator. It is also slightly less commonly known as "the loggerhead snapper" (not to be confused with the loggerhead sea turtle or loggerhead musk turtle).

The alligator snapping turtle is a generalist predator that lures unsuspecting morsels towards its tremendous jaws. A serrated, bony hooked beak stands at the ready to bifurcate its unlucky prey, and only its tiny nostrils are visible above the swampy water.

The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. Male alligator snapping turtles can reach lengths of 29 inches (73.7 centimeters) and 249 pounds (112.9 kilograms), while females can reach lengths of 22 inches (55.9 centimeters) and 62 pounds (28.1 kilograms) (Ewert et al. 2006, Pritchard 2006).

Alligator snapping turtles are sometimes described as dinosaur-like because of their spiky shells and primitive-looking faces. They have three pointed ridges along their shells that run from head to tail.

They are uniquely characterized by a yellow stripe on their face (figure 1). Compared to loggerhead musk turtles, eastern musk turtles are usually much darker in color (figure 2). This species is nocturnal (most active at night) and can most commonly be seen foraging in …

2019年9月9日 · What Does The Alligator Snapping Turtle Look Like? The alligator snapping turtle’s large size, armored shell and tough, leathery skin give it a primitive, dinosaur-like appearance. The turtle’s carapace (upper shell) is thick, and has three prominent ridges of spiked domes running along its length.

Alligator Snapping Turtles are a benthic dweller of the waterbodies they inhabit, typically favoring the deepest part of the waterway. They are most active during the night when they may traverse through their home range actively feeding and scavenging.

Adult alligator snapping turtles only face predation from humans. Their young may be eaten by raccoons, fish and birds . Humans are contributing due to a declining population through habitat degradation, hunting for meat and poisoning through an …

2016年11月7日 · Alligator snapping turtles have spiky shells and a face with a prehistoric-look for which reason people call them the dinosaur of the turtle world. The typical feature of this turtle is the three large, prominent keels or ridges that run along the …