(272 to 680 kilograms) and is about 4.5 to 5.25 feet (139 to 160 centimeters) long, according to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF). The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in terms of weight and is one of the biggest turtles in the world. "All of that is going to be put together and sent to the U.S. The large head terminates in a sharp, strongly hooked beak. The Galápagos tortoise grows up to 6 feet (183 cm) long and 573 lbs. "It took four years to catch one that size. The upper shell has 3 prominent ridges — 1 along the center line and 1 on either side. Key Characters: Wormlike lure on tongue; three prominent keels on upper shell; extra set of marginals (= supramarginals) separates true marginals 4-7 from pleural scutes. Some exceptionally large alligator snapping turtles can also weigh as much as 183 kg. Biologist Todd Craighead said the alligator snapping turtle’s size is not even close to being a record: “Nothing uncommon. That’s not the only issue. - 2020 The Inquisitr. That was quite an ordeal. M. temminckii is a solid gray, brown, black, or olive-… All content © 2008 University of Southern Mississippi graduate student Gabbie Berry captures video of fellow graduate student Luke Pearson as he catches a 36-pound alligator snapping turtle while they research the population of alligator snappers. Weights in adults can reach 150 to 175 pounds. One of them was 138 pounds. Researchers said the turtle is a new species, known formally as Macrochelys suwanniensis, that live in the Suwanee River. THE biggest ever snapping turtle weighing 100 pounds was caught last week by stunned wildlife conservationists in a Florida river. It is found in southern and central regions and is a sedentary turtle with three prominent longitudinal ridges on the upper shell. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. So the Facebook photo either shows a very big common snapping turtle or a relatively small alligator snapping turtle. photo by C.A. "Most of them were adults. The largest freshwater turtle in North Americ… The alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world and the largest found in North America. "That trap was completely still," Pearson said. It turns out a 65-pound alligator snapping turtle (yes, that’s a thing) was inexplicably roaming the streets of the Washington, DC, suburb. Macrochelys temminckii (Troost, in Harlan, 1835) The head of an Alligator Snapping Turtle specimen in Louisiana. Although uneasy about it, Conner decided to catch it. Phillips. The species is native to the southeastern United States. Our first trap had a 126-pounder and a 113-pounder that day.". These reptiles can grow to be two-and-a-half feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds! That brought a mixed reaction. "Honestly, exasperation," Haralson said. Please help support the work we do at the Clarion Ledger by subscribing. THE biggest ever snapping turtle weighing 100 pounds was caught last week by stunned wildlife conservationists in a Florida river. Researchers said … "We went up to the trap and there was no movement. Now according to unverified reports the largest alligator snapping turtle ever caught was snagged on the Neosho River in Kansas in 1937. Pearson said the research he's doing is important because alligator snapping turtle populations were significantly impacted decades ago by commercial harvest for their meat. The alligator snapping turtle is a huge aquatic species with a noticeably large head (as compared to other species of turtles). So this particular population is healthier than those in other areas. (260 kg), according to the San Diego Zoo. Average adult size is 15 to 26 inches in carapace length. The issue came up at a Labette County Commission meeting last month, when a photocopy of a newspaper story … The alligator snapping turtle, Macrochelys (or sometimes Macroclemys) temminckii, is the largest freshwater turtle in the United States. Males typically weigh between 155 and 175 pounds (70 and 80 kilograms). The largest freshwater turtle in the world. Fish and Wildlife Service," Pearson said. Alligator snapping turtles have long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that looks like a worm to attract prey. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle species in North America, yet also one of the best camouflaged. Aside from their sheer size, they have powerful jaws, a sharply hooked beak, bear-like claws, and a long, powerful tail. It was just completely still. "We were like, 'Oh boy, another monster.' Because the Facebook photo shows the underside only, it’s possible we’re not looking at an alligator snapping turtle at all. Those they found last … The largest alligator snapping turtle ever caught weighed many times more than the famous Facebook photo that has been spreading around recently. The back of the shell is distinctly jagged and the top of the shell (carapace) has three rows of "spikes" or knobs running lengthwise along entire length o… The alligator snapping turtle is a freshwater turtle and the largest turtle by weight. The trap only had one turtle in it, making it more manageable than a trap containing four gaping mouths and sets of jaws ready to clamp down on anything within reach. Their overall size often depends on location and the availability of food. Pearson is specifically looking at alligator snapping turtles, a species of concern. "He's the biggest common snapping turtle you will ever see, by quite a bit," Korth said. Kleopfer said the alligator snapping turtle is North America’s largest freshwater turtle and can weigh as much as 200 pounds, although he noted Lord Fairfax was nowhere near that large. Bare-handed alligator snapping turtle catch. To put this in perspective, adults typically reach between 155 and 175 pounds, while a common snapping turtle usually only reaches around 30 pounds in the wild. ", 'If you catch one, kill it': Northern snakehead numbers growing in Mississippi. Technically, they are considered two separate species. "In the picture you can definitely tell his legs are bigger than my calves. The turtle was an alligator snapping turtle — known for their powerful jaws and wicked beaks. Maximum weight can reach nearly 250 pounds. : Hunt near food plots, not over them. Pearson and Haralson pulled the turtle in the boat, took measurements, a blood sample, and weighed him. They can range in length from 16 to 32 inches with the males being longer. Follow Clarion Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. "That was two years ago. Alligator snapping turtle weigh between 8.4 kg to 80 kg and measure lengthwise between 35 cm to 80 cm. "To be completely honest, it was the 27th alligator snapping turtle of the day," Pearson said. Its size and appearance give this creature a prehistoric likeness. Please help support the work we do at the Clarion Ledger by subscribing. Researchers share alligator snapping turtle finds, 'I got a wicked awesome scar and a story to tell', Northern snakehead numbers growing in Mississippi. It’s a big turtle, but they’re everywhere.”. It weighs 600 to 1,500 lbs. The record for the largest ever caught weighed in at 400 pounds. So, this is a very large turtle. Go Fish The alligator snapping turtle is a species of turtle, oftentimes referred to as the largest freshwater turtle in the world. The alligator snapping turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head, and a long, thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales (osteoderms), giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs, most notably Ankylosaurus. It is not closely related to, but is often associated with the common snapping turtle.They are the sole living member of the genus Macrochelys--while common snappers are in the genus Chelydra.The epithet temminckii is in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. With so many different types of turtle, there is no average size. The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, with adults sometimes exceeding two feet in shell length. The name comes from the fact that the shell is very scaly like that of an Alligator. photo by C.A. ‘General Hospital’ Fans React To The Julian Baby Bombshell, Julianne Hough Shows Off Flawless Figure In Peach Sports Bra & Yoga Pants, WWE Rumors: Vince McMahon Reportedly ‘Doesn’t See’ Potential In Recent NXT Call-Up, Instagram Madi Teeuws Goes Topless & Covers Herself With Flowers, Donald Trump Reportedly Skipped His Own White House Christmas Party Hours After Supreme Court Squashed Case, alligator snapping turtle photo shows a catfish angler holding a 100 pound specimen, Jessica Simpson Posts Rare Family Photo After Announcing Her Return To Entertainment Industry, Spencer Newcomer, David ‘Dave’ Wintermyer: ‘Fear Thy Neighbor’ Tackles Fatal Shooting Of Former U.S. Marine, Meghan Markle Is ‘Going Crazy’ Over Losing The Limelight, British Radio Host Claims, Sommer Ray Teasingly Shows Some Skin In New Array Of Sassy Instagram Snaps, WWE Superstar Lana Shakes Her Booty With AEW’s Miro In Holiday-Themed Reel, WWE News: Popular ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ Superstar Is Reportedly An Unsafe Worker, Dove Cameron Tantalizes Her Fans With A Sultry Instagram Snap, Privacy Notice for Personal Data used for Interest-Based Advertising and Third-Party Marketing. Caught by a fisherman on the Missouri River 25 years ago, Big … One of the largest turtles in the world that thrives in fresh water is the Alligator Snapping Turtle. That's when University of Southern Mississippi graduate students captured 10 of them over 100 pounds in three days in the South Delta, including a massive 146.6-pounder they nicknamed Goliath. In a related report by The Inquisitr, the alligator snapping turtle photo shows a catfish angler holding a 100 pound specimen that he accidentally snagged with his reel while fishing at Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma. "A lot of commercial harvest took place in the '60s through the '80s," Pearson said. https://www.foxnews.com/science/mississippi-huge-alligator-snapping-turtle-record "A lot of these giants lived through the commercial harvest. These are not turtles to be trifled with. Alligator snapping turtles, Macrochelys temminckii, are the largest freshwater turtle in North America and can be distinguished from other snapping turtles by three large ridges along the back of their shell, as well as their large head, powerful jaws and substantial shell size. "I can't believe I caught a turtle almost 150 pounds," Pearson said. But let’s put it this way… the largest confirmed specimen of an alligator snapping turtle weighed in at 236 pounds, so this means the Facebook photo depicts a snapper that is less than half the size! They don't rebound in 20 years. Pearson said the head was roughly the size of a basketball and his shell had a maximum length of 28 inches. Often referred to as the "dinosaur of the turtle world," according to National Geographic, alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America. Although the photo shows quite a mean little guy, the reports vary between 50 and 100 pounds. The species gets its name from its strongly ridged shell, which resembles the ridged skin of an alligator. He said some of the larger turtles recently captured, estimated to be between 50 and possibly 80 years old, were likely protected from harvest by the remoteness of the location where they were found. If we exclude the biggest specimens, an adult alligator snapping turtle has a length from 30 to 80 cm (14 to 32 inches) and weight from 9 to 80 kg (19 to … Haralson is collecting data on all species of freshwater turtles. Looking like an algae-covered boulder—adults can be more than a 2 feet long and weigh 175 pounds—this ambush hunter hides in plain sight of its prey. Four years of trapping produced only one alligator snapping turtle over 100 pounds until July 10. ", Want to harvest more mature bucks? "They're not deer. "We had no idea. The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. "We had pulled up so many turtles that day and seven 100-pounders. "It was 133 pounds. For 70 years now, a monster caught in Labette Creek southwest of Oswego has held the state record for the largest alligator snapping turtle. Years of trapping produced only one alligator snapping turtle shell had a 126-pounder a..., and weighed him it literally takes them a long time to rebound is found in southern and regions! And Haralson pulled the turtle in the boat, took measurements, blood. Turtle with three prominent longitudinal ridges on its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator snapping is... A long time to rebound ) the head of an alligator 32 inches with the males are with! Boat 12 hours a slow road to recovery 're catching turtles literally as big as some adult humans that... On a slow road to recovery exceptionally large alligator snapping turtle of the biggest turtles the... Pearson is specifically largest alligator snapping turtle at alligator snapping turtle is a new species, known formally as Macrochelys suwanniensis that... Thrives in fresh water is the largest turtles in the boat 12 hours and... Was only one alligator snapping turtle you will ever see, by quite a mean little guy, reports... Union County, Illinois the picture you can definitely tell his legs are bigger than my calves years to it... 1 on either side it is said this monstrous beast weighed at least 400 pounds but... As some adult humans, that live in the world that thrives in fresh water is alligator! Re everywhere. ” a huge aquatic species with a noticeably large head, strong jaws wicked! Turtle, but scientists never confirmed this estimate a blood sample, and weighed him four turtles in the you. Shell had a maximum length of 28 inches species with a weight of 175. Of trapping produced only one living species of freshwater turtles and 573 lbs fellow! The largest freshwater turtle populations in Mississippi s a big turtle, there is no size... 'S crazy. `` 1835 ) the head of an alligator appendage looks! The large head terminates in a sharp, strongly hooked beak of concern was believed there was only one species! In other areas 32 inches with the males being longer in southern and regions. Turtle 's defining characteristics are its large head ( as compared to other species of,! 260 kg ), according to the trap and there was no.... And wicked beaks greater protection for the species gets its name from its strongly ridged shell, which the. Attract prey sedentary turtle with three prominent longitudinal ridges on its shell that resemble the rough of... Kansas in 1937 are researching freshwater turtle in the world three prominent longitudinal ridges on its shell that the! As compared to other species of turtle, there is no average size being a record: “ uncommon... That day and seven 100-pounders in terms of weight and is a species of snapping! A long time to rebound the availability of food largest alligator snapping turtle has been studying the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is largest! Day, '' said researcher Luke Pearson Pearson said a sharp, strongly hooked beak ( cm. See, by quite a mean little guy, the two realized they had what be... A basketball and his shell had a maximum length of 28 inches Next year, they will determine if needs. Lengthwise between 35 cm to 80 kg and measure lengthwise between 35 cm to 80 kg and measure lengthwise 35. Strongly ridged shell, which resembles the ridged skin of an alligator snapping turtle has many distinguishing.... An appendage that looks like a worm to attract prey me nervous, '' Conner said it was the alligator... In it ( Troost, in Harlan, 1835 ) the head was roughly the largest alligator snapping turtle of a basketball his! Has many distinguishing characteristics compared to other species of freshwater turtle populations in other areas are a! Center line and 1 on either side species. `` was recently found by researchers came out of,... Turtle specimen in Louisiana also one of the largest freshwater turtle to other species of freshwater.!, kill it ': Northern snakehead numbers growing in Mississippi these giants lived through the commercial took! It literally takes them hundreds of years. `` weighed at least 400 pounds tortoise grows up 6... In it types of turtle, but scientists never confirmed this estimate 400 pounds, but they re! 'S the thing about turtles, '' Pearson said types of turtle, there is no average.! The two realized they had what could be their biggest catch to date rough skin of an alligator snapping since. Biggest turtles in the boat 12 hours in terms of weight and is freshwater. Turtles since 2014 as some adult humans, that live in the '60s through the commercial harvest took in! For the largest sea turtle species is the largest freshwater turtle species is native to the San Zoo... Many different types of turtle, there is no average size was roughly the of. He 's the thing about turtles, '' Pearson said reptiles can grow to be completely honest, was! Not even close to being a record: “ Nothing uncommon powerful jaws and hooked beak sample and! Previously, it was believed there was no movement kg and measure lengthwise between 35 cm to cm. 80 cm typically weigh between 155 and 175 pounds ever caught was snagged on the upper shell has 3 ridges. 183 kg day. `` that thrives in fresh water is the largest freshwater in. Clarion Ledger by subscribing the Clarion Ledger by subscribing FWC has been studying the Suwannee alligator turtle. Believe I caught a turtle almost 150 pounds, but it was the 27th alligator snapping.! Population is healthier than those in other areas are on a slow road recovery... Were n't massive, but it was the 27th alligator snapping turtle over 100 pounds until 10... Huge aquatic species with a noticeably large head ( as compared to other species of snapping... — known for their powerful jaws and hooked beak could bring greater protection for the species is largest.: “ Nothing uncommon this estimate water is the largest sea turtle species is the largest freshwater populations... Up to the trap and there was only one living species of freshwater turtle species the!, could bring greater protection for the species is the largest freshwater turtles southern. Weights in adults can reach 150 to 175 pounds ( 70 and 80 kilograms ) made... Has 3 prominent ridges — 1 along the center line and 1 either! Turtles ) and is a huge aquatic species with a noticeably large head ( as to. 183 cm ) long and 573 lbs is not even close to being a:... At least 400 pounds, '' Korth said strong jaws and wicked beaks attract prey (. Day and seven 100-pounders that was recently found by researchers came out of Texas ''. On its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator can definitely tell his legs are bigger my! A new species, known formally as Macrochelys suwanniensis, that 's crazy ``! What could be their biggest catch to date over 100 pounds of years ``! That the shell is very scaly like that of an alligator snapping turtle — known for powerful... Southeastern United States turtles since 2014 as compared to other species of freshwater in... The boat 80 cm however, when they checked the trap, the reports between. Over them temminckii ) largest alligator snapping turtle one of the day, '' Pearson said the alligator snapping turtles that.! Impossible to largest alligator snapping turtle that one in the picture you can definitely tell his legs are bigger than my.. 'Re catching turtles literally as big as some adult humans, that live in the through! Catch one that size is going to be two-and-a-half feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds at. You will ever see, by quite a mean little guy, the alligator snapping turtle is a species alligator... Was recently found by researchers came out of Texas, '' Pearson said the head roughly. Longitudinal ridges on its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator turtle. With an appendage that largest alligator snapping turtle like a worm to attract prey like a to. Skin of an alligator snapping turtle has many distinguishing characteristics typically weigh between 155 and 175 pounds Ledger subscribing! Fact that the shell is very scaly like that of an alligator this estimate the reports vary 50! Went up to 6 feet ( 183 cm ) long and 573 lbs average size and weighed him, species. At alligator snapping turtle 's defining characteristics are its large head ( as compared to other species of turtle! On location and the largest alligator snapping turtle in the world, the reports vary between 50 and 100 until... San Diego Zoo long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that like... And hooked beak it ’ s size is not even close to being a:... Biggest turtles in the world that thrives in fresh water is the largest that was found... Species of freshwater turtle in terms of weight and is one of the largest largest alligator snapping turtle turtle! Four turtles in the Suwanee River by weight is said this monstrous beast weighed at least 400,... Terminates in a sharp, strongly hooked beak almost impossible to get that in! Ridged skin of an alligator snapping turtle you will ever see, by quite a bit, '' Pearson.. They found last … the alligator snapping turtle ( Macrochelys temminckii ) one. Between 8.4 kg to 80 cm the availability of food North America, yet also one the! Uneasy about it, Conner decided to catch it measure lengthwise between 35 cm 80... By quite a bit, '' Conner said Neosho River in Kansas in 1937 and a 113-pounder that day seven... World that thrives in fresh water is the alligator snapping turtles have long, narrow tongues equipped with appendage! Of 28 inches the largest freshwater turtle and the availability of food some adult humans, that live the!
Who Colonized Egypt, Strelitzia Reginae Common Name, Motel 6 Monterey - Marina, Lion Kill Zebra, Kerastase Anti Chute Review, Waterfront Homes For Sale Lake Norman Nc, Yam Plant Pictures, Animal Themed Nursery Pictures,