Let us meet a big turtle. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. It lives in freshwater in the southern United States. People call it the "dinosaur of the turtle world." It spends most of its time in the water.

Now look at its body. It has a spiked shell. On the upper shell are three large ridges that run from front to back. This turtle has a very big head and strong jaws. Male alligator snapping turtles grow larger than females.

Now for its best trick. Part of its tongue looks like a worm. The turtle lies still on a river bottom. It shows the worm-like part of its tongue to lure prey. It waves this part, and fish swim close.

Now let us see how it lives. They eat mostly fish. They are most active at night. Algae often grows on the turtle's back, which helps hide it. A female digs a nest in the sand. These turtles typically live alone.

Words to know

• ridges: raised lines
• lure: draw close
• prey: food animal
• algae: tiny water plants