Alligator Snapping Turtle
(Macroclemys temminckii)
From: Southeast United States (Texas to Florida)
Size: Up to 200lbs
Diet: fish
This is the largest fresh water turtle in the Americas. They are found in rivers, lakes and bayous. If you look closely you will see a pink, wormlike appendage on its tongue. This is used to lure fish, which are captured when the jaw is snapped shut. This turtle can remain underwater for 40-50 minutes before it has to breathe at the surface. With its power- ful jaws, even a medium-sized snapper can sever a human finger.
Active: night