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
The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers the alligator snapping turtle to be one of the state’s endangered species.
—
Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2024
Read on for more, including a 200-pound alligator snapping turtle and new cost estimates on the Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2024
Read on for more, including a 200-pound alligator snapping turtle and new cost estimates on the Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
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
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 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share