05/12/2026
Species of the Month -- Alligator Snapping Turtle
This prehistoric looking reptile is the largest freshwater turtle in the United States. Adult males can reach lengths of up to 29 inches and weigh up to 249 pounds! They get their name from the three rows of spikes on their shells, resembling an alligator.
Alligator Snapping Turtles lure in their prey with their long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that looks like a worm.
Found in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, these turtles are considered a vulnerable species. Factors like habitat loss, illegal hunting and capture, and poor water quality pose challenges to this incredible creature.
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