Alligator Snapping Turtle

Design

The alligator snapping turtle has a fascinating hunting technique. Since this creature eats primarily fish, it spends most of its time in the water. It waits motionless with its mouth open. It then moves its worm-like tongue to entice fish into its mouth. This hunting practice was not part of the original created kind, since all animals were originally vegetarian.

Features

• The alligator snapping turtle is usually brown, black, green, or gray in color with a distinct yellow pattern around its eyes.
• The most distinguishing features of this turtle are the three large ridges that run from the front to the back of its shell.
• The alligator snapping turtle is active both day and night.

Fun Facts

• This turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America; the largest one on record weighed 236 lbs (107 kg).
• Some people have called the alligator snapping turtle the dinosaur of the turtle world.
• They must be handled with extreme care because of their powerful bite.