Alligator Snapping Turtle Care

Macroclemys temminckii, the alligator snapping turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America. These aquatic turtles may weigh more than 200 pounds and are found in deep freshwater bodies in Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Texas. It is listed as threatened or endangered in much of its range. Due to its large size and dangerous bite, alligator snappers are rarely kept as pets, though they are popular zoo animals.

  1. Enclosure

    • Adult alligator snapping turtles do best living alone, since they can be quite aggressive and are known to eat smaller turtles. They should be housed outdoors in warm climates or provided with heaters and reptile lights indoors. They need 12 hours of UVB light daily.

    Pond

    • These turtles spend most of their time in the water, so a large, well-filtered pond or pool is an absolute must. Add lots of underwater obstructions to make them more comfortable. Driftwood, submerged logs and smooth rocks will provide suitable hiding places. Provide 20 gallons of water for every inch of the turtle's length. The water should be at least as deep as the shell is long.

    Temperature

    • These turtles require a temperate climate of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area in the high 80s to low 90s. The temperature of the water in the pond or pool should be 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Diet

    • In the wild, the alligator snapper thrives on fish, frogs, aquatic plants, snakes, clams and smaller turtles. It is both a scavenger and an active hunter, doing most of its foraging at night. During the day, it sits in the bottom of a dark body of water with its jaw open, revealing a small, pink, worm-like lure in the back of its mouth. The lure attracts fish, which are then swallowed whole, or impaled by the sharp jaws. In captivity, offer a mainly carnivorous diet. Live guppies, minnows, and crayfish and/or cooked chicken and chopped baitfish make good food. Mice, chicks and rats can be fed to larger individuals. They also need some vegetable matter such as apples, grapes, bananas, romaine lettuce and carrots. Commercial turtle food is another option.

    Consideration

    • According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, alligator snappers can live between 20 to 70 years in captivity.