alligator snapping turtle

noun

variants or alligator snapper
: a large freshwater turtle (Macrochelys temminckii synonym Macroclemys temminckii) of southeastern U.S. rivers that may reach nearly 150 pounds (68 kilograms) in weight and 31 inches (79 centimeters) in length and differs from the common snapping turtle in having a shell with three distinct ridges, a more triangular-shaped head, and a pink fleshy wormlike appendage in the mouth used as a lure

Examples of alligator snapping turtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But re-releasing the turtle into the wild isn't an option, either, since the alligator snapping turtle is not native to the area. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 Today, two North American species, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle, remain. Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023 The alligator snapping turtle, which is the largest freshwater turtle in the country, can be as long as 29 inches and weigh up to 249 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 19 July 2023 The Longview, Texas resident hooked a massive alligator snapping turtle on Father's Day, the biggest he's ever seen. Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022 However, since the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department considers the the alligator snapping turtle a threatened species worthy of being protected by the state, Broomhall decided to release the turtle back into the water, unharmed. Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022 The service proposed threatened status in April for the related Suwannee alligator snapping turtle, found in the Suwannee River basin in Georgia and Florida. Janet McConnaughey, sun-sentinel.com, 9 Nov. 2021 That includes a Burmese python that goes by Phil, and Rocko — an alligator snapping turtle that is among Levins’ favorites. Bill Jones, chicagotribune.com, 11 Oct. 2021 The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the Western Hemisphere. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alligator snapping turtle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator snapping turtle was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near alligator snapping turtle

Cite this Entry

“Alligator snapping turtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20snapping%20turtle. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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