Alligator Snapping Turtle

The alligator snapping turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head, and a long thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs. They have radiating yellow patterns around the eyes, serving to break up the outline of the eye and keep the turtle camouflaged. Their eyes are also surrounded by a star-shaped arrangement of fleshy filamentous "eyelashes."
Alligator Snappers are opportunistic carnivores more often at a young age , but are also scavengers . Fishermen have glorified the species ability to catch fish and to deplete fish populations. Minnowsare usually age they will eat almost anything they can catch.
The alligator snapper turtles diet consist primarily of fish carcasses (usually overboard by fishermen ) , invertebrates , eat snake , and amphibians , but they are also know to eat snake , and even other turtles in captivity , they may consume almost any kind of meat provided , including beef , chicken and pork . These are not always healthy on a day to day basis . They will refuse to eat if exposed to extreme temperate .
Adult alligator snappers have been know to kill and eat small alligators that they have been confined with , such as in a net , small bog , or poorly planned aquarium display.
To find the turtle protected from collection throughout much of its range. The IUCN lists its as a threatened species , and as of June 14 , 2006 , it was afforded some international protection by being listed as a CITES 3 species (which will put limits on exportation from United States and all international trade in this species ) . The alligator snapping turtle is now endangered in several states , including Illinois. Fishing of snapping turtle is illegal and heavily fined .
This animal is usually captive-bred as pet and are readily available in the exotic animal trade. Due to other potential size and specific needs , they do not make particularly good pets for any but the mot experienced aquatic turtle.
The alligator snapping turtle is primarily vulnerable to humans from habitat loss and hunting . Some are hunted for their carapaces ; the plastron of the turtle is valued because of its shaping as a cross.