The alligator snapping turtle looks like something right out of the age of the dinosaurs. Look at those jaws!
Alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) are the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. They can reach more than three feet (one metre) in length and more than 275 pounds (125 kilogrammes) in weight. They are primarily found in rivers, channels and lakes in the Southeastern United States. They have a frightening appearance with powerful armour, consisting of a heavy shell and legs covered in thick scales. Adult animals hardly have any natural enemies, apart from man. Adult alligators won’t even take their chances against an adult alligator snapping turtle!
Catching fish
Alligator snapping turtles spend nearly all their time in the water. They often lie-in-wait at the bottom, mouth open. A pale-red fleshy protrusion is attached to the turtle’s tongue, which is moved back and forth like a worm. This lures all sorts of fish who think that they might run into some nice treat. However, as soon as something comes close, the enormous jaws of the alligator snapping turtle slam shut. This is how the turtle catches food. Besides fishing, it also catches anything that moves, such as swimming rodents and birds. The turtle grabs the animal from the surface, and pulls it under the water. I could say goodbye to my hand if I were to swing it just a tad too close to his mouth. This powerful turtle rocks!
Dr. Freek Vonk
@freekvonk
Award-winning biologist, writer for
National Geographic Magazine, Naturalis Biodiversity Center Research
Fellow, passionate wildlife TV-presenter!
https://twitter.com/freekvonk
Source: http://www.fascinatingpics.com/the-alligator-snapping-turtle/
En nu even lekker rusten onder de warmtelamp! pic.twitter.com/KI1vQ9ki7d
Brown bear, Alaska. pic.twitter.com/D15TUWGhn3
Great white shark monsters? Not by far. Here's one I filmed in the Pacific. Peaceful and cautious. Smart. No monster! pic.twitter.com/GNFuEgGTBz
@sciencemagazine
Spotlight on #Snakes: Freek Vonk—Snake scientist & celebrity http://scim.ag/18oTYhv pic.twitter.com/I8R8VoEytZ
Het dierengeluid van net bij Giel was de lokroep van dit hitsige vrouwtje!! #3FM #GIEL #dierengeluid pic.twitter.com/pdKi6WTMNZ
No comments:
Post a Comment