Alligator snapping turtle

The alligator snapping turtle is a heavyweight champion of North America's freshwater turtles. It lives only in the rivers and swamps of the southern United States, where its powerful jaws and spiky shell make it look like a living dinosaur. This turtle is so big it holds the title for largest freshwater turtle on the continent.

• Named after Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck
• Not closely related to common snapping turtles despite the similar name
• One of the heaviest freshwater turtle species worldwide