Where are Alligator Snapping Turtles Found?
Alligator snapping turtles, which can weigh up to 160 pounds and live over 100 years, are one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. These ancient-looking creatures are found primarily in the southeastern United States.
Where Native Alligator Snapping Turtles Live
Native alligator snapping turtles can be found in the following areas:
- States in the southeastern United States, such as Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma
- Southeastern Mexico, including the Yucatán peninsula
The alligator snapping turtle is listed as a threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Agency. As such, it is illegal to capture or possess one without a special permit in the United States.
Habitat
Alligator snapping turtles inhabit slow-moving waters, such as swamps, rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals. They prefer deep waters with muddy bottoms and areas where there is plenty of vegetation.
Threats
Alligator snapping turtles face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, overharvesting, and disease. They are also caught for commercial sale, leading to population decline in certain areas. As such, protecting them and their habitats is important for future generations.
