Alligator Snapping Turtle
KANSAS: SINC
FEDERAL: N/A
Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckii
CATEGORY: SINC
SPECIES CLASS: Chelonia
Date Listed:
T 1978; SINC 1987
Recovery Plan:
No
Greg Sievert
SPECIES DESCRIPTION
SPECIES PROTECTION AND CRITICAL HABITATS:
DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITATS
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is a secretive deep water turtle of large rivers, swamps, lakes and sloughs. It is active during the warmer months of the year, generally at an air temperature of 65 degrees F or above. Little is known of the daily habits of this large creature. They forage for food at night.
The female lays a single clutch per season ranging in size from 15-50 round, white eggs and hatch in 3-4 months. They are carnivorous, eating anything they can overpower.
Historic specimens are documented from the Arkansas River drainage in Cowley County and from the Neosho River drainage in Labette and Lyon counties. Sightings have occurred in Montgomery county.
The following counties contain critical habitat for Alligator Snapping Turtle:
There are no related objects.