The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. These turtles can remain submerged for three hours. Typically only nesting females will venture onto open land. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head, and a long, thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales (osteoderms) giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs. Alligator snapping turtles range in length from 16 to 32 inches (40.4 to 80.8 cm). They possess the second strongest bite strength of any animal in the world, and can be quite aggressive when cornered. These turtles must be handled with extreme care.
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