The alligator snapping turtle is a large species of turtle in the family Chelydridae. The species is native to freshwater habitats in the United States. M. temminckii is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. It is the largest freshwater species of turtle in North America. Wikipedia

Weight: between 155 and 175 pounds nwf.org

Species: M. temminckii

Class: Reptilia

Order: Testudines

Genus: Macrochelys

Family: Chelydridae

Phylum: Chordata

Habitat: The alligator snapping turtle can be found in rivers, lakes, backwater swamps, and periodically in brackish water systems (mixture of fresh and salt water) from Florida to Texas and north to Illinois.

Features: The alligator snapping turtle's defining characteristics are its large head, strong jaws and hooked beak. It has a spiked, dark-brown carapace. Alligator snapping turtles have long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that looks like a worm to attract prey.

@ApuWildKingdom