Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
SPECIES DESCRIPTION
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.
They mate probably at any time during warm weather. 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. Platt recommended close scrutiny of any pesticide use or flood control projects along rivers in southeastern Kansas which might seriously harm this turtle. In 1978, they were protected as a threatened species in Kansas.
Historic specimens are documented from the Arkansas River drainage in Cowley County and from the Neosho River drainage in Labette and Lyon counties. Recent sightings have occurred in Montgomery and Sumner counties. They are probably restricted to the major rivers of southeastern Kansas. The population declines are due to exploitation by trappers and habitat alteration.
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