amnhnyc:

🐢Did you know? The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is the largest freshwater turtle in North America—and is one of the largest in the world!

Males can weigh as much as 175 pounds (79 kilograms), and their shells have an average length of 26 inches (66 centimeters). This colossal species lives in rivers, lakes, and swamps in the southeastern United States. It’s a scavenger and hunter; when on the prowl for food, it lets its worm-like tongue hang out to lure in unsuspecting fish. In addition to fish, it preys on mollusks, reptiles, small mammals, and birds.

Photo: Ashley Wahlberg (Tubbs), CC BY-ND 2.0, flickr

#AnimalFacts #AlligatorSnappingTurtle #nature #NaturalHistory #turtles
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