The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world. The Alligator Snapping Turtle can grow up to 30 inches in length and can weigh up to 176 pounds. The tail is about as long as the shell.
Males are typically larger than females.
Alligator Snapping Turtles have three large, pronounced ridges running from the front to the back of their huge shells. Their snouts are pointed and their eyes are on the sides of their heads instead of the top like the common snapping turtle. The Alligator Snapping Turtle has a very large head and powerful jaws. The upper jaw is hooked and the tongue contains a worm-like lure used to attract prey into the mouth. They can be found in states such as Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Louisana, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Missouri Alligator Snapping Turtles spend most of their time in water and may only go onto land to nest their young.