Alligator Snapping Turtle Macroclemys temminckii

Vulnerable

Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America. Due to their large size and ease of capture, they were hunted heavily in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, snapping turtle populations are making a slow recovery and are protected in many parts of their range.

Diet:
Snapping turtles are primarily carnivorous. They mainly eat fish and other aquatic animals but are known to eat acorns in the fall and other vegetation/fruits when available.
Habitat:
Native to the southern United States they can be found in rivers and streams.

Create Connections. Inspire Action. Impact Conservation.

The alligator snapping turtle at Riverbanks has been in our care since 1996. He has nearly double in weight since coming into our care.

Visit the alligator snapping tyurtle in the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center.