Regulations on Alligator Snapping Turtles

Regulations to protect wildlife are vital to prevent them from becoming extinct. The alligator snapping turtle is considered endangered by some states and not others, so regulations on the handling of this species vary.

  1. Conservation Status Affects Regulations

    • The International Union for Conservation of Nature states that the alligator snapping turtle is not endangered, but classified as a vulnerable species, because it is growing in numbers yet still at risk of extinction in the medium term. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the alligator snapping turtle is currently being reviewed for possible inclusion on the federal threatened or endangered species list. Each state determines individually whether this species is on its state endangered list, and this in turn determines the strictness of the state̵7;s regulations on harvesting this species of turtles.

    Indiana Regulations

    • Indiana considers these turtles endangered, and has strict regulations that forbid its collection or sale.

    Florida Regulations

    • Florida regulations allow one egg or one turtle to be captured, but for recreational use only. No alligator snapping turtle may be bought, sold or possessed for the purpose of sale.

    Lousiana Regulations

    • The following regulations apply to Louisiana lakes: you cannot sell or catch alligator snapping turtles for commercial use. However, for recreational use you may take one per day, per boat or vehicle. There is no size limit. You must have a basic resident or nonresident fishing license. You may not remove them if they are nesting or tending nests. You must check traps every day. It is against regulations to use gasoline or other chemicals to chase turtles out of retreat.