Rare Alligator Snapping Turtle Rescued by Wildlife Center of Texas
Posted on May 2, 2013
A rare alligator snapping turtle, Macrochelys temminckii, was rescued by the Wildlife Center of Texas. The prehistoric-looking turtle was thought to be extinct in Harris County, where it was found.
This is the first was found in Harris County since 1983. Fish hooks found in the turtle's cheek and throat were removed by surgeons at the Texas A&M's School of Veterinary Medicine. The turtle is a protected freshwater turtle in the state of Texas.
The Wildlife Center of Texas says that as adults the large turtles eat fish, crayfish, mussels, claims and other turtles. They can detect musk turtles hiding beneath the mud using their chemo-receptors. Alligator snapping turtles can reach over 250 pounds as adults. The rescued turtle is a female weighing 44 pounds. Take a look: