Reveling in reptiles

Description: Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles. They weigh between 155 and 175 pounds. They are characterized by three large, pronounced ridges, or keels, that run from the front to the back of the carapace. With powerful jaws and a large head, they are unique among snapping turtles for having eyes on the sides of the head. The alligator snapping turtle looks very primitive and has been called the dinosaur of the turtle world.
Distribution and habitat: Alligator snapping turtles are native to the southeastern region of the United States. They are confined to the river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. They generally live in the deep water of large rivers, canals, lakes and swamps. Hatchlings and juveniles usually live in small streams.
Diet in the wild: The alligator snapping turtle is both a scavenger and an active hunter. It most actively forages for food during the night. During the day, it usually lies quietly in the bottom of a dark body of water and opens its jaw to reveal a small pink worm-like lure in the back of its gray mouth. The lure attracts fish, and when the fish enter the jaws, they are either swallowed whole, sliced in two by the sharp jaws, or impaled on the sharp tips of the upper and lower jaws.
Life span: They can live between 20 and 70 years in captivity.
Fun fact: There is an unverified legend that a 403-pound alligator snapping turtle was found in the Neosho River in Kansas in 1937.