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What states do alligator snapping turtles live in?
Alligator snapping turtles are found exclusively in the United States, from northern Florida to eastern Texas and as far north as Iowa. They are almost exclusively aquatic, and tend to stay submerged and motionless for so long that algae begins to grow on their shells.
Where does the alligator snapping turtle live?
The alligator snapping turtle can be found in rivers, lakes, backwater swamps, and periodically in brackish water systems (mixture of fresh and salt water) from Florida to Texas and north to Illinois (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001).
How big is a 100 year old alligator snapping turtle?
Found almost exclusively in the rivers, canals, and lakes of the southeastern United States, alligator snappers can live to be 50 to 100 years old. Males average 26 inches in shell length and weigh about 175 pounds, although they have been known to exceed 220 pounds.
Do alligator snapping turtles live in Michigan?
They are protected by law. The Spotted Turtle and the Wood Turtle are also considered “species of special concern” in Michigan. Snapping Turtles live in aquatic habitats, but it is very common to spot these animals on the land or crossing roads as they very often migrate from one water area to another.
What eats a snapping turtle?
The eggs and hatchlings of snapping turtles may be eaten by other large turtles, great blue herons, crows, raccoons, skunks, foxes, bullfrogs, water snakes, and large predatory fish, such as largemouth bass. However, once snapping turtles become larger, there are few animals that prey on them.
How big can a Michigan snapping turtle get?
If habitat conditions are favorable, snapping turtles can reach 50 pounds in size and survive for decades on the wilder side of Oakland County.
Can alligator snapping turtles be pets?
An adult turtle can easily bite off fingers, and their sharp claws can inflict damage. Because of their aggressive nature, alligator snappers aren’t recommended for beginner turtle keepers or potential pet owners who want an animal they can interact with daily. Snappers are not appropriate pets for small children.
What is the life span of an alligator snapping turtle?
Incubation takes from 100 to 140 days, and hatchlings emerge in the early fall. Though their potential lifespans in the wild are unknown, alligator snapping turtles are believed to be capable of living to 200 years of age, but 80 to 120 is more likely. In captivity, they typically live between 20 and 70 years.
Are alligator snapping turtles on the Endangered Species List?
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is not one species, but they are all on the endangered species list. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in all of North America and one of Alabama’s most unusual-looking creatures.
What is the largest alligator snapping turtle ever recorded?
The alligator snapping turtle, which has been reported to live as long as 200 years, is the heaviest freshwater turtle in the world. The largest on record was 249 pounds.
What states are alligator snapping turtles illegal?
Turtle Ownership Laws in Kentucky It’s illegal to own Alligator Snapping turtles. If you want to own more than 5 turtles, you will need a non-commercial captive wildlife permit from the state. It’s illegal to release pet turtles into the wild.