Modern Day Dinosaurs

Looking at our newly hatched baby alligator snapping turtles, weighing in at a less than an ounce, it’s hard to believe these animals will grow to be one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America, with an average adult weight of 175 pounds. Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) are found in southern U.S. waters, primarily in East Texas Rivers, oxbow lakes, and swamps. Although the lifespan of these animals in the wild is unknown, it is believed they can live for up to 150 years.

They resemble prehistoric plated dinosaurs more than turtles, adorned with a large, triangle shaped head, a long ridged tail, and three distinct rows of raised spikes that run down the top of their shell. Many people confuse the Alligator Snapper with the Common Snapper, which has a smoother shell, is much more commonly seen, and is a far more aggressive biter.

These massive animals spend most of their life underwater, able to remain submerged for up to an hour without venturing to the surface for air. Only females will leave the protection of the water to lay their eggs.

One of the most unique things about the Alligator Snapping Turtle is the way they hunt. In their cave-like mouth they have an appendage on the tip of their tongue called a “vermiform” that resembles a worm. The turtle will sit motionless at the bottom of the water with its mouth open, flicking the lure to attract unsuspecting fish and then SNAP, lunch! Like many other kinds of turtles, our new babies at the Zoo are carnivores, but as they mature will become far more omnivorous, dining on both meat and vegetation.

Sadly, this amazing animal is not doing so well in the wild across their range in the United States. They are listed as threatened in the Lone Star State, with threats being collection for international pet trade, meat for human consumption, habitat loss, and accidental capture on recreational fishing trot lines. You can help Texas turtles by fishing responsibly and supporting regulations that restrict international trade and commercial collection of these animals.