Let us meet a river giant and find out where it lives. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. People call it the "dinosaur of the turtle world." It lives in freshwater in the southern United States. Adults live in deep water in large rivers, canals and lakes.

Now look at its body, one part at a time. An alligator snapping turtle has a spiked shell. On the upper shell are three large ridges that run from front to back. It has a very big head and strong jaws. It also has a long tail and webbed toes with long claws.

How big can it get? Let us look at the numbers. Male alligator snapping turtles grow larger than females. As of November 2026, the heaviest one on record weighed more than 250 pounds. The upper shell of the largest ones is more than 30 inches long, also as of November 2026.

Now let us see how it hunts. Part of its tongue looks like a worm. Watch closely to see what the turtle does. The turtle lies still on a river bottom. It shows the worm-like part of its tongue to lure prey. The turtle waves it, and fish swim close.

Now let us see what it eats and when it is busy. Alligator snapping turtles eat fish, crayfish, snails, mussels and also some plants. They eat mostly fish. They are most active at night. Algae often grows on the turtle's back, which helps hide it.

Last of all, let us finish with its life in the river. These turtles spend most of their time in the water. One can stay under water for 40 to 50 minutes before it comes up for air. Alligator snapping turtles typically live alone. A female digs a nest in the sand.

Words to know

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

The short version

The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. It lives in freshwater in the southern United States, in deep water in large rivers, canals and lakes. It lies still on a river bottom and shows the worm-like part of its tongue to lure prey.

Quick facts

• The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America.
• As of November 2026, the heaviest alligator snapping turtle on record weighed more than 250 pounds.
• An alligator snapping turtle can stay under water for 40 to 50 minutes before it comes up for air.
• Alligator snapping turtles eat fish, crayfish, snails, mussels and also some plants.