For example, if a box turtle gains a growth ring every 18 months and there are 10 rings, this gives the scute a total of 180 months of growth. Other freshwater turtles of similar size include the exotic Chitra, Rafetus and Pelochelys; An analysis conducted in Louisiana showed that 79.8% of the turtle’s stomach was… other turtles. These are not turtles to be trifled with. The prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and among the largest in the world. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest species of freshwater turtle. Males typically weigh between 155 and 175 pounds (70 and 80 kilograms). Many alligator snapping turtle populations were decimated by increased levels of commercial harvest in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and the species is now protected from commercial harvest in … Do Baby Snapping Turtles Make Good Family Pets? Divide 180 by 12 to get 15 years. Unlike most other turtles, the alligator snapping turtle is unable to withdraw its head and limbs into its shell. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. Population number. It is said that a 400-pound (180-kilogram) alligator snapping turtle was caught in Kansas in 1937, but there isn’t sufficient evidence to confirm the claim. Their sex is determined by incubation … She selects a nest site near the water, but high enough or far enough to protect the eggs from flooding. A memorable exhibit with a crowd pleasing attraction. Snapping turtles are also aggressive, making them potentially dangerous to little fingers! Shell size seems to be a better indicator of maturity than age. Because of the risk of Salmonella exposure, we don’t recommend turtles at all to a family with children under the age of five. The older they are, the more slowly they grow. Alligator snapping turtles live about 50 years. Aside from their sheer size, they have powerful jaws, a sharply hooked beak, bear-like claws, and a long, powerful tail. Snapping turtles can live as long as 100 years. Use 15 years as a rough estimate of the turtle's age. The alligator snapping turtle is physically different from the common snapping turtle in a number of ways. Always handle snapping turtles with care and visit a veterinarian for the most accurate estimate of snapping turtle age. The alligator snapping turtle may remain underwater for 40 – 50 minutes holding its breath. The most obvious difference is the snapper’s shell, which has three distinct rows (keels) of spikes that give it a decidedly more primitive look. mobile aquarium and set up educational exhibits at zoos, museums and boat shows. Alligator snappers can stay submerged for up to 50 minutes before they need to come up to breathe. Snapping turtle hatchlings start out about the size of a quarter and continue to grow their whole lives. Reference the turtle species guide to get information on how fast growth rings are added, and interpolate turtle age. The turtle’s carapace (upper shell) is thick, and has three prominent ridges of spiked domes running along its length. About two months later, the female leaves the water to build a nest and deposit between 10 and 50 eggs. The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Alligator snapping turtle total population size. They mate in the spring. The main threats to Alligator snapping turtles include collection for the exotic pet trade, overharvesting for their meat, pollution and habitat destruction. Alligator snapping turtles are often covered in algae, which gives them a greenish appearance. Alligator snapping turtles become sexually mature around 12 years of age. These reptiles can grow to be two-and-a-half feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds! While it is impossible to know a snapping turtle's age unless you know its hatch date, you can guess a turtle's age by measuring its carapace and counting its annuli rings. Aligator Snapping Turtle As Pet: The Complete Guide On Everything You Need To Know About Alligator Snapping Turtle As Pet, Training, Care, Feeding And Behavior This may seem like a long time, but it's actually less than many other turtle species. The older they are, the more slowly they grow. Go Fish It can be difficult to ascertain the exact age of a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), particularly those of advanced age.You can count the growth rings of young individuals to get a reasonably accurate estimate of the animal’s age, but this method is less reliable with mature specimens. We have the largest Alligator Snapping Turtle with a 700 gal. Hatchlings emerge after 100 to 140 days, in early autumn.