Alligator Snapping Turtle
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Seasonal Restriction Dates:
- March 1 - September 15
Restriction Notes:
- If critical habitat or submerged logs, boulders, beaver dens in footprint.
- If within 656 ft of nesting habitat.
- If Little River or Little River NWR within 0.25 mi of footprint.
Photo Credit: Jessa L. Watters
Short Description from Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation:
The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is Oklahoma’s largest turtle and the largest freshwater turtle found in North America. Adults may reach up to 250 pounds. These turtles have a hooked beak, three prominent ridges on the shell, and a smooth tail. These features, in addition the large adult size, can help differentiate the alligator snapping turtle from the common snapping turtle.
Natural Habitat:
Large slow-moving deep rivers, bayous, and swamps (near forests)
Nesting Habitat:
Sandy soils within 20m of above.
