largest alligator snapping turtle

"It was 133 pounds. It literally takes them hundreds of years.". Its size and appearance give this creature a prehistoric likeness. That’s not the only issue. Biologist Todd Craighead said the alligator snapping turtle’s size is not even close to being a record: “Nothing uncommon. "He's the biggest common snapping turtle you will ever see, by quite a bit," Korth said. The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle native to the United States.The species is named in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. Caught by a fisherman on the Missouri River 25 years ago, Big … 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. Pearson and Haralson pulled the turtle in the boat, took measurements, a blood sample, and weighed him. Go Fish Four years of trapping produced only one alligator snapping turtle over 100 pounds until July 10. Researchers said the turtle is a new species, known formally as Macrochelys suwanniensis, that live in the Suwanee River. The alligator snapping turtle is a freshwater turtle and the largest turtle by weight. "That trap was completely still," Pearson said. The alligator snapping turtle, Macrochelys (or sometimes Macroclemys) temminckii, is the largest freshwater turtle in the United States. They can range in length from 16 to 32 inches with the males being longer. ", 'If you catch one, kill it': Northern snakehead numbers growing in Mississippi. 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! Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The name comes from the fact that the shell is very scaly like that of an Alligator. It can be immediately distinguished from the common snapping turtle by the three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates on the carapace, whereas the common snapping turtle has a smoother carapace. The turtle was an alligator snapping turtle — known for their powerful jaws and wicked beaks. 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. It’s a big turtle, but they’re everywhere.”. The alligator snapping turtle's defining characteristics are its large head, strong jaws and hooked beak. The species is native to the southeastern United States. His neck was enormous.". The Fairfax County Police reported that … "We pulled up one trap with four turtles in it. Average adult size is 15 to 26 inches in carapace length. "All of that is going to be put together and sent to the U.S. "It made me nervous," Conner said. Those they found last … One of the largest turtles in the world that thrives in fresh water is the Alligator Snapping Turtle. 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. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest species of freshwater turtle. The largest freshwater turtle in North Americ… The largest freshwater turtle in the world. They don't rebound in 20 years. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle species in North America, yet also one of the best camouflaged. https://www.foxnews.com/science/mississippi-huge-alligator-snapping-turtle-record Phillips An Alligator Snapping Turtle in Union County, Illinois. Some exceptionally large alligator snapping turtles can also weigh as much as 183 kg. There was a lot of amazement because he was so big, but there was exhaustion from the other 26 we'd caught that day.". Alligator snapping turtle weigh between 8.4 kg to 80 kg and measure lengthwise between 35 cm to 80 cm. photo by C.A. Macrochelys temminckii (Troost, in Harlan, 1835) The head of an Alligator Snapping Turtle specimen in Louisiana. The alligator snapping turtle is a huge aquatic species with a noticeably large head (as compared to other species of turtles). It is said this monstrous beast weighed at least 400 pounds, but scientists never confirmed this estimate. The prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and among the largest in the world. Although uneasy about it, Conner decided to catch it. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. "We had pulled up so many turtles that day and seven 100-pounders. 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. The tail is long and muscular. Males typically weigh between 155 and 175 pounds (70 and 80 kilograms). The largest sea turtle species is the leatherback turtle. 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 … THE biggest ever snapping turtle weighing 100 pounds was caught last week by stunned wildlife conservationists in a Florida river. The species gets its name from its strongly ridged shell, which resembles the ridged skin of an alligator. Now according to unverified reports the largest alligator snapping turtle ever caught was snagged on the Neosho River in Kansas in 1937. It is said this monstrous beast weighed at least 400 pounds, but scientists never confirmed this estimate. Four years of trapping produced only one alligator snapping turtle over 100 pounds until July 10. THE biggest ever snapping turtle weighing 100 pounds was caught last week by stunned wildlife conservationists in a Florida river. That brought a mixed reaction. : Hunt near food plots, not over them. Their overall size often depends on location and the availability of food. "We had no idea. All content © 2008 For 70 years now, a monster caught in Labette Creek southwest of Oswego has held the state record for the largest alligator snapping turtle. "I can't believe I caught a turtle almost 150 pounds," Pearson said. 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. Alligator snapping turtles have long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that looks like a worm to attract prey. 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. It is found in southern and central regions and is a sedentary turtle with three prominent longitudinal ridges on the upper shell. The largest freshwater turtle in the world, the alligator snapping turtle has many distinguishing characteristics. When you're catching turtles literally as big as some adult humans, that's crazy.". Largest Alligator Snapping Turtle in Record FWC has been studying the Suwannee alligator snapping turtles since 2014. It turns out a 65-pound alligator snapping turtle (yes, that’s a thing) was inexplicably roaming the streets of the Washington, DC, suburb. 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. With so many different types of turtle, there is no average size. So, this is a very large turtle. Researchers share alligator snapping turtle finds, 'I got a wicked awesome scar and a story to tell', Northern snakehead numbers growing in Mississippi. "We went up to the trap and there was no movement. The others weren't massive, but it was almost impossible to get that one in the boat. Pearson, along with fellow USM graduate student Lucas Haralson, are researching freshwater turtle populations in Mississippi. It was just completely still. However, when they checked the trap, the two realized they had what could be their biggest catch to date. "A lot of these giants lived through the commercial harvest. "Honestly, exasperation," Haralson said. The upper shell has 3 prominent ridges — 1 along the center line and 1 on either side. Our first trap had a 126-pounder and a 113-pounder that day.". ‘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. 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. Technically, they are considered two separate species. "We'd been on the boat 12 hours. The large head terminates in a sharp, strongly hooked beak. The record for the largest ever caught weighed in at 400 pounds. Previously, it was believed there was only one living species of alligator snapping turtle. ", 'He was an absolute monster': Researchers share alligator snapping turtle finds, Mississippi man survives alligator bite: 'I got a wicked awesome scar and a story to tell'. 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. Populations in other areas are on a slow road to recovery. "In the picture you can definitely tell his legs are bigger than my calves. Please help support the work we do at the Clarion Ledger by subscribing. The largest alligator snapping turtle ever caught weighed many times more than the famous Facebook photo that has been spreading around recently. 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 (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. So this particular population is healthier than those in other areas. "It took four years to catch one that size. Please help support the work we do at the Clarion Ledger by subscribing. Now according to unverified reports the largest alligator snapping turtle ever caught was snagged on the Neosho River in Kansas in 1937. So the Facebook photo either shows a very big common snapping turtle or a relatively small alligator snapping turtle. The alligator snapping turtle is a species of turtle, oftentimes referred to as the largest freshwater turtle in the world. The males are larger with a weight of about 175 pounds. "It was one of those things that's exciting when you've had time to take a breath, but in the moment you're pretty exhausted and just trying to get the data you need and get out of there. Bare-handed alligator snapping turtle catch. Species Information. "They're not deer. Since 2017, Pearson has captured and released about 550 alligator snapping turtles, but his last trap of the day produced a turtle of giant proportions; something that seemed unlikely at first. 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 difference between the common snapping turtle, or Chelydra serpentina, and the alligator snapping turtle, or Macrochelys temminckii, is that the alligator version has a row of nasty-looking spikes running down their spine while the common snapping turtle has a more normal-looking smooth shell. 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. 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. The turtle gets its common name from the ridges on its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator. "That's the thing about turtles," Pearson said. These reptiles can grow to be two-and-a-half feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds! Aside from their sheer size, they have powerful jaws, a sharply hooked beak, bear-like claws, and a long, powerful tail. Phillips. "To be completely honest, it was the 27th alligator snapping turtle of the day," Pearson said. 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. 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. Pearson is specifically looking at alligator snapping turtles, a species of concern. They can hold their breath for approximately an hour. photo by C.A. - 2020 The Inquisitr. "Next year, they will determine if it needs to be listed as a threatened or endangered species.". Pearson said the head was roughly the size of a basketball and his shell had a maximum length of 28 inches. "A lot of commercial harvest took place in the '60s through the '80s," Pearson said. (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 one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world and the largest found in North America. "That was two years ago. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in terms of weight and is one of the biggest turtles in the world. "Most of them were adults. The issue came up at a Labette County Commission meeting last month, when a photocopy of a newspaper story … ", Want to harvest more mature bucks? Although the photo shows quite a mean little guy, the reports vary between 50 and 100 pounds. Pearson said his research, along with that in other states, could bring greater protection for the species. That was quite an ordeal. Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Maximum weight can reach nearly 250 pounds. There’s actually some discrepancies between the reports on this particular alligator snapping turtle, or whether it was just a common snapping turtle in the first place. Because the Facebook photo shows the underside only, it’s possible we’re not looking at an alligator snapping turtle at all. "We were like, 'Oh boy, another monster.' "The largest that was recently found by researchers came out of Texas," Pearson said. "It takes them a long time to rebound. "We had already caught 26 alligator snapping turtles that day," said researcher Luke Pearson. M. temminckii is a solid gray, brown, black, or olive-… (260 kg), according to the San Diego Zoo. The Galápagos tortoise grows up to 6 feet (183 cm) long and 573 lbs. It weighs 600 to 1,500 lbs. Weights in adults can reach 150 to 175 pounds. One of them was 138 pounds. 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. Haralson is collecting data on all species of freshwater turtles. Researchers said … https://arynews.tv/en/alligator-snapping-turtle-monster-turtle-viral-video Follow Clarion Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service," Pearson said. These are not turtles to be trifled with. It has a spiked, dark-brown carapace. Turtle weigh between 8.4 kg to 80 cm a sedentary turtle with three prominent longitudinal ridges on shell... A bit, '' Pearson said the alligator snapping turtles that day. `` We went up to 6 (... 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