The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and one of the largest in the world. Thanks to its spiked shell, powerful beak-like jaws and thick, scaled tail, this species is often called the "dinosaur of the turtle world."
Native to the rivers, canals and lakes of the southeastern United States, alligator snapping turtle are carnivores; they spend most of their lives in water preying on fish or frogs. In the wild, alligator snappers can live from 70-100 years. The prehistoric-looking reptiles' average shell length is 26 inches (66 centimeters). They weigh about 175 pounds (about 80 kilos), although some individuals have been known to exceed 220 pounds (almost 100 kilos).
