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Alligator Snapping Turtle (King Koopa)

Macrochelys temminckii

Photo by MitchRay
Published on Project Noah
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32.5093, -92.1193

Field Notes

Description:

Largest freshwater turtle in North America, Apex Predator

Habitat:

Swamps, rivers, lakes

Reference Links:

Macrochelys temminckii TROOST 1835

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (31)
VianneyTedjamulia
Wow, even his mouth cannot reach your hand, it think his claw can do some nasty wound... Ouch...
MitchRay
In his case, not very far. He stayed in within roughly 300 yards of the same spot where I captured him initially. I ended up recapturing him 3 times.
shebebusynow
How far did he end up traveling over the two years?
MitchRay
He was released and tracked by radio for about two years. I used the data for Master's thesis
lmdang
What happened to the turtle after these shots were taken?
MitchRay
To all, Thanks for the interest and kind comments about these critters. I love spreading awareness about them.
MitchRay
Thanks. Unfortunately it's almost impossible to get a photo of a male in the wild without hauling the big suckers out of the water in a hoop net. But it's kind of cool to have my big goofy butt in there for scale
MitchRay
up north a Chelydra can reach upwards of 75 to 80 lbs. In the south, where they share most of their range and compete for resources with Macrochelys, 25 lbs would be a big common snapper. Many times the common snappers are relegated to less than ideal habitat (ditches, oxidation ponds, etc.) lest they become a snack for the big guys
ClementDufour
koopa is very impressive. how big do normal snapping turtles get as oppose to the alligator snapper.
MitchRay
Added another shot of this guy. Nothing really new, but Koopa was always one of my favorites so I wanted to max out on photos of him
PaulMcK
Heres some D60 clips, not as good as the full program though http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?annotation_id=annotation_704284&p=8469DEB6A01299EE&feature=iv
lori.tas
Yeah, until you mentioned having been in the show, I was giving it a pass from the title alone, but my first such viewing will keep me coming back for more. I should have probably noted for these who haven't seen the series, in Australia it starts out with the Tiger snake, the world's fourth most deadliest snake. When they've finally caught one, the Aussie bloke say that their reputation for chasing people is a myth, that they are really just trying to get away. No, no, it's not a myth,. Especially during breeding season (Fall), when they are extra pissy. That said, if you leave them alone they will usually leave you alone. If you ever find yourself in Tasmania. I'll introduce you to all *three* of our snakes. For really fun reptile and amphibians, you have to travel the outback. I've got some blue tongue skinks, a legless lizard, and some dragons in my spottings that you might enjoy.
MitchRay
Cool story. I would love to go herping with some of you Aussies. The show was pretty accurate and the host and crew were really nice and genuinely cared about wildlife. I wish it aired in the States.
lori.tas
Hey Mitch. D60 just started here on the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company). Fortunately they have web-streaming as I don't have a TV. I'm just watching the 1st Australia episode right now. Ironically I got chased by a Tiger snake about three weeks ago (and it did the cobra flare at me), so it's not entirely a myth. I was trying to shoo it off the road, and it had a clear shot into the grass ahead, but it turned and chased me into the road instead. Fortunately I'm an old hand with snakes and I scampered out of the way and finally got it off the other side of the road.
PaulMcK
Ah well, you've got some awesome pics to remember it by, good talking with you This is a great site, never know who you'll end up talking too.
MitchRay
Sadly, I've completed my degree and moved on. Kind of a funny story. The D 60 crew came because they heard about that particular turtle. Finding 3 in one trap (which never happened), in the last trap wasn't scripted. When we finally got the turtles in the boat Steve asked "is this one as big as the 110 lb one you caught last week?" I replied, "That is the 100 lb turtle from last week. You can see his radio-transmitter right there!"
PaulMcK
Brilliant, well done, great tv. You spent all day with no turtles then 3 in one trap Keep up the good work
MitchRay
Interestingly enough, that is the very same turtle on Deadly 60. I'm the redneck with the strong southern accent helping Steve out with the turtles on the Louisiana episode.
PaulMcK
Is this the turtle steve backshall had to handle for the british tv program?
MitchRay
King Koopa (as he was affectionately known) weighed in at a svelte 110 lbs. Koopa gave me all I could handle and then some. He eventually ended up on a British TV show.
p.young713
What was the weight? I have never seen a fresh water turtle that big!
LilaEcker
No kidding, I hope those never come to MI.
MitchRay
it's good policy to keep your fingers clear of the business end
Photographed
PublishedApril 2, 2011

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