Alligator Snapping Turtle

Don't go insulting the largest turtles in North America because the snapping turtle packs a mean bite. Equipped not only with a vicious mouth, the snapping turtle rocks three rows of spikes on its back.

The largest freshwater turtle in the world, the alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temminckii) is native to the southeastern region of the United States. Like its distant relative, the common snapper (Chelydra serpentina), the alligator snapper has a large head and powerful jaws. However, the alligator snapper differs quite a bit from the common snapper, both in the way it looks and in the way it hunts and eats.

The Alligator Snapping Turtle has powerful jaws that can bite off human fingers. However, many have been caught for food or to have as pets, and now there is concern that they may be in danger of extinction.

Despite many large adults often being kept with other turtle species in zoo exhibits, alligator snapping turtles are best kept alone. Because of their extremely large size (heaviest freshwater turtle in the world), alligator snappers are not for beginners, or even experienced keepers if they cannot provide the space for these beasts.

Ugly Animals - Alligator Snapping Turtle