Oklahoma is in the middle of the Great Plains region of the United States and contains many different ecotypes. Here, great grasslands reign supreme and seasonal rains dictate where these grasslands form. The state is dry and composed of dry dunes and mesas in the absence of rainfall. Like the Fourche and Ouachita, mountains break up the landscape and create valleys that collect rainwater, creating lush environments perfect for water-loving turtles. Most turtle species are found in the state’s southeastern corner, where the rainfall is highest, and wetland habitats are most abundant here.
Seventeen turtle species make Oklahoma their home. Most of these species can be found in lakes, pools, or rivers. Major river systems, like the Red River and Arkansas River, are home to the giant alligator snapping turtle, whereas the plains, which contain smaller pools of water, might be home to mud or musk turtles. Colonies of sliders, painted turtles, and map turtles might be found in the suburbs, watching humans walk by as they bask on the shorelines of urban ponds. Of course, plenty of terrestrial species explore the realm beyond pools or lakes to hunt amongst grasses and brush.
Oklahoma has a variety of turtles and tortoises and would be well worth a visit for any turtle enthusiast.
Oklahoma Turtles
1) Pond slider (Trachemys scripta)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Sliders
- Adult weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 4 – 11.5 in (10 – 29 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 14.5 in (37 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 years
- Lifespan (captive): 40 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pond slider is one of the most widespread turtle species in North America. This turtle can be found in nearly every urban pond and has spread throughout the United States. You will often see red-eared sliders sold as little golf-ball sides turtles at pet stores, and their popularity as pets has encouraged their spread throughout the United States. Red-eared sliders thrive in urban environments and can often be seen in ponds basking on logs or other debris in park lakes and rivers.
This species has a flattened shell that helps them glide through the water. This is essential because pond sliders spend most of their lives in the water. They prefer warm, slow-moving waters where they can feed and bask without the threat of predators. Pond sliders even mate in the water.
Another factor that helps them spread is their generalist diet. Pond sliders can consume plants, insects, eggs, and even small fish. In turn, pond sliders become prey for other animals like gar, snakes, coyotes, and opossums. Young pond sliders are particularly vulnerable and more likely to become food for other animals. Luckily, this species reproduces quickly, and their tendency to congregate in groups helps larger adults avoid predators.
2) Common box turtle (Terrapene carolina)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Eastern box turtle
- Adult weight: 1 – 2 lbs (0.5 – 1 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 4.3 – 7 in (11 – 18 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 7.8 in (20 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 30 years but can live longer than 100 years
- Lifespan (captive): 30 years but can live longer than 100 years
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
Contrary to what their name may suggest, common box turtles are not so common, although if you see a box turtle, this will be the most likely candidate depending on your area. This species is considered vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN. They have a large, domed shell painted with red-brown patterns. In addition, the bottom of their shells, called the plastron, has a hinged plate that can cover the front of the shell, protecting the turtle’s head and neck. As a result, common box turtles can almost completely enclose themselves inside their shells when threatened.
There are five subspecies of common box turtle, and the only one native to Oklahoma is the three-toed box turtle. As the name suggests, they usually have three toes on each hindleg, although some may have four.
These tiny turtles are surprisingly long-lived, routinely living longer than 30 years and even over 100 years of age. They take a long time to mature compared to other reptile species, with mature adults being at least ten years adult. The breeding season lasts from mid-spring to fall and varies by region. Adult females will lay between 3 and 8 small eggs during this season. Females only need to mate once every few years to produce successful clutches in subsequent years.
While they were once abundant throughout their range, common box turtles face a series of threats that have resulted in severe population declines over the last twenty years—namely, habitat degradation and conversion of native woodlands to urban environments. In addition, predators, disease, vehicles, and people are also contributors to box turtle mortality.
3) Western box turtle (Terrapene ornata)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Ornate box turtle
- Adult weight: 0.5 – 1 lb (0.2 – 0.5 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 4 – 5 in (10 – 13 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 6.06 in (15.4 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 30 – 40 years
- Lifespan (captive): 40 – 50 years
- Conservation status: Near threatened
Western box turtles are small, round tortoises with a beak that curves into a smile, giving them a cheery demeanor. They possess yellowish-orange stripes on their scutes that differ from other box tortoises in color and shape. Their rough forelegs are also covered in orange scales. They are found exclusively in the United States and Mexico, with a range that extends as far west as Arizona and as far east as Iowa. There are two subspecies and in Oklahoma, the only subspecies present is the ornate box turtle (T. o. ornata).
As terrestrial tortoises, they are not bound by a source of fresh water. As a result, western box turtles can be found in open woodlands, prairies, and pastures so long as there is abundant vegetation, and the soil is suitable for burrowing. They forage for insects, berries, and carrion. They may also round out their diet with eggs, fish, and flowers.
Western box turtles possess a thick shell that protects them from predators. However, their small size makes them an excellent snack for anything that can make it through their defenses. Some predators of this species include raccoons, foxes, and snakes. Box turtles can retract their limbs into their shells to avoid serious injury when threatened, giving them an edge in most conflicts.
This species is considered “Near threatened” by the IUCN, meaning preserving prairie habitat is critical to reviving this species. Not only is this habitat a source of food for the western box turtle but the continuous, pristine habitat reduces the frequency of edge habitats within their range. Edge habitats are a significant source of predation as foxes, raccoons, and other predatory animals travel along the edges of habitats in search of food. We also protect other endangered species by protecting the western box turtle’s habitat.
4) Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
- Family: Chelydridae
- Other common names: Snapper
- Adult weight: 10 – 35 lbs (4.5 – 16 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 8 – 14 in (20 – 36 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 19.3 in (49 cm); 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Lifespan (wild): 30 years
- Lifespan (captive): 47 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
As babies, these dragon-like turtles are small and peculiar, but potential turtle pet owners should think twice before bringing home a baby snapping turtle. Adults can be massive and, as their name suggests, can give a nasty bite. These turtles have slightly keeled shell scutes, thick legs with long claws, pointed beaks, and long tails.
During spring to summer nesting season, female snapping turtles will search for a place to dig a nest and lay their eggs. Unfortunately, female turtles are sometimes attracted to the warm, soft dirt along roadsides and choose to construct their nests in less-than-ideal locations. As a result, road mortality is a significant contributor to hatchling turtle mortality.
Roadways are not the only threat to hatchling common snapping turtles. Young turtles prey on large wading birds like herons, egrets, raccoons, and giant turtles. Adults, however, are not as vulnerable. With their large size, armored shell, staggeringly strong bite, and aggressive attitudes, adult common snapping turtles are not animals predators will eagerly mess with.
Common snapping turtles are like largemouth bass in that they have a varied diet limited only by the size of their mouths. Therefore, these turtles will eat prey from fish and invertebrates to small mammals and other turtles. However, unlike the strictly piscivorous largemouth bass, common snapping turtles also eat a fair amount of aquatic vegetation.
5) River cooter (Pseudemys concinna)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Eastern river cooter
- Adult weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 12 in (30 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 17 in (43 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 40 years
- Lifespan (captive): 20 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
This native North American turtle resembles pond sliders, although river cooters grow substantially larger. Other metrics for telling apart the two species can be found here. They are common turtles in the southeastern United States and share many behaviors and habits with sliders, including dietary requirements and habitat type. They primarily consume aquatic vegetation and some aquatic invertebrates, with juveniles consuming more invertebrates than adults. They provide food for mammals like raccoons, foxes, and opossums. River cooters are also vectors for parasite species like nematodes.
Mating and nesting last from the spring to the summer, and clutches can enter a diapause-like state if temperatures are too cold. When this occurs, the eggs simply delay hatching for several months to give the offspring the best chance of survival. Interestingly, males take longer to mature than females, with females reaching maturity at six years on average and males reaching adulthood at 13 years.
River cooters display social behaviors, often foraging for food, swimming, and basking together. This gregarious behavior may help this species avoid predators as they can observe cues from other turtles.
6) Spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera)
- Family: Trionychidae
- Other common names: Spiny softshell turtle
- Adult weight: 26.5 – 33 lbs (12 – 15 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 5 – 19 in (13 – 48 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 19 in (48 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 50 years
- Lifespan (captive): 50 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Spiny softshells are a peculiar-looking turtle species. These turtles have smooth shells with neat, dark circles on their surface and legs with large, webbed feet. In addition, spiny softshells have an elongated, pointed snout that allows them to breathe underwater without exposing their head. They can often be found in open, shallow, muddy-bottomed rivers, burying themselves in the mud to hide from predators. When disturbed, they can quickly relocate to another spot in the river and disappear into the soil. Spiny softshells can survive well in urban environments, taking advantage of the fragmented water systems and small, muddy streams that urban development creates.
The diet of the spiny softshell includes worms, insects, crustaceans, and sometimes fish. Their diet is predominantly carnivorous. Therefore, they are most active during the day and will hide from predators at night.
A similar species, the smooth softshell, belongs to the same family as this turtle. You can distinguish spiny softshells from smooth softshells by looking at the rows of spines on the front of the turtle’s shell; smooth softshells lack these spines.
Adult spiny softshells are between 8 and 10 years of age. Females will lay a clutch of round eggs in pits dug in soft soil. Once hatched, baby softshells are incredibly tiny and vulnerable with their highly soft shells. They are usually around 2 – 3 inches in length after hatching.
7) Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Southern map turtle
- Adult weight: ~6 lbs (2.7 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 5 – 10 in (13 – 25 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 10.25 in (26 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 years
- Lifespan (captive): 18 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Like the common map turtle, this species has a rugged shell with serrated edges. However, Ouachita map turtles can be distinguished from common map turtles by the presence of a yellow spot underneath each eye and on both sides of their jaw, whereas common map turtles do not have a spot on their jaw. In addition, map turtles have keeled shells with jagged spines, which can help distinguish them from sliders and painted turtles.
Ouachita map turtles prefer habitats with dense aquatic vegetation and ample basking sites jutting out from the water. During the breeding season in the spring and summer, females dig nests into soft sand and construct 2 – 3 nests per year. Each nest may contain as many as 16 eggs. As with many other turtle species on this list, the sex of the baby turtles is determined by temperature, with more females produced at higher temperatures, whereas the opposite is true for males. This species has a typical turtle diet of insects and plants and is prey to various mammals and birds. Additionally, they are sometimes caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries.
Turtles typically spend the winter months in a dormant state called brumation. While mammals hibernate, cold-blooded animals like reptiles and amphibians brumate. For example, the Ouachita map turtle typically brumates when temperatures drop from October to April.
8) Common mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Other common names: Eastern mud turtle
- Adult weight: 0.34 lbs (0.15 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 2.5 – 4 in (6.4 – 10.2 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 6 in (15.2 cm); 0.45 lbs (0.2 kg)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 years
- Lifespan (captive): 38 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
These small mud turtles have dark, smooth shells with lighter underbellies. Like common box turtles, they have a hinged plastron that allows them to seal up their shell when threatened. Due to their small size and endearing appearance, common mud turtles are often kept as pets. If you’re considering owning a mud turtle as a pet, care should be taken to acquire one from a reputable breeder rather than from the wild.
Common mud turtles are predominantly found in ponds, streams, swamps, and wetlands, where they enjoy sluggish water with abundant emergent and submerged vegetation. They can often be observed basking on exposed rocks or logs, although they will scurry back into the safety of the water if they notice humans. Their diet consists of insects, mollusks, fish, and plant material. The age of maturity for eastern mud turtles is between 4 and 8 years. Females construct a single nest yearly and typically lay three to four eggs.
There are three subspecies of common mud turtle, and only one can be found in Oklahoma. The Mississippi mud turtle (K. s. hippocrepis) is the only subspecies known from the state. They have yellow stripes on their head, light markings along the margins of their shells, and more markings on their plastrons.
9) Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens)
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Adult weight: 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 5 – 6 in (13 – 15 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 6.37 in (16.18 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 15 years
- Lifespan (captive): 10 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
While common mud turtles are found in the eastern half of Oklahoma, the yellow mud turtle is native to the state’s western half. This similar yet distinct species possesses a brown, round, dome-shaped shell with lighter vertical margins than their shells. Their bellies and chins are lighter in color as well. They are also slightly larger than their eastern cousins.
They breed from summer into fall. Females lay one clutch annually and produce between 3 and 6 eggs per clutch. Surprisingly, females may linger around the nest and guard the eggs for up to 40 days.
Common mud turtles have a general preference for aquatic habitats with abundant vegetation. On the other hand, yellow mud turtles are almost exclusively found in muddy ponds without any underwater vegetation. They take advantage of human settlements by using cattle tanks, ditches, and sewer drains to beat the dry weather. They are usually found near these water sources, and during the dry season, they will bury themselves in mud to hide from predators and prevent drying out. Like their close relative, the musk turtle, mud turtles can release a nasty compound from specialized glands that repel predators.
10) Eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Other common names: Stinkpot, musk turtle, common musk turtle
- Adult weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 3 – 5 in (7.6 – 12.7 cm)
- Maximum verified size: No accounts exceeding 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 – 30 years
- Lifespan (captive): 50+ years
- Conservation status: Least concern
These tiny, rounded turtles are dull in appearance and somewhat resemble rocks, attaining an average length of around 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm). They are usually darkly colored with a pigmented plastron and long claws, which they use to climb. Eastern musk turtles are native to the eastern United States from Texas to Canada and occupy most habitats with slow-moving fresh water.
The name “musky turtle” comes from this turtle’s predator-defense ability. When threatened, they release a foul odor of phenoalkalinic acid that deters most predators from eating these smelly turtles.
Adults reach maturity between 2 and 4 years, with females producing two clutches per year containing up to nine eggs each. Eastern musk turtles forage at night for various food items, including plants, insects, and small animals. However, musk turtles bury themselves in the mud when temperatures get too cold for foraging.
Their small size and cute appearance make the eastern musk turtle an attractive pet for turtle enthusiasts. However, while they are not endangered, prospective stinkpot parents should obtain a turtle from a reputable breeder rather than get a wild individual.
11) False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica)
- Family: Emydidae
- Adult weight: 2.5 – 4 lbs (1.1 – 1.8 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 3.5 – 10.5 in (9 – 27 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 6.2 in (16 cm) male; 10.5 in (27 cm) female
- Lifespan (wild): 50 years
- Lifespan (captive): 32.5 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
False map turtles possess broader heads than other map turtles on this list and are adapted to consume mollusks. However, their dietary needs still overlap with other map turtles. The similarity between the various species of map turtles has confused taxonomists leading to a series of subspecies and species delineations over time. The Ouachita map turtle, for example, used to be a subspecies of G. pseudographica. More species may be described in the future. False map turtles can be distinguished from others using minute characteristics detailed here.
This species enjoys aquatic habitats and prefers large, slow-moving rivers and lakes with various substrates. They will congregate with other members of their species and other turtle species to bask and hunt.
Females and males are drastically different in size, with males being much smaller on average than females. Females produce two clutches a year of between 8 and 22 eggs. Mammals, birds, and various fish species predate young turtles. In some regions, false map turtles are also vectors for helminth parasites, a type of free-living parasite that infects the tissues of animals.
12) Razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Adult weight: 1 – 2 lbs (0.5 – 0.9 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 3.1 – 4.7 in (7.9 – 11.9 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 years
- Lifespan (captive): 30 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Like other musk turtles, razor-backed musk turtles have a keeled shell that develops a pointed ridge in the center, giving them their name. They are brown with black stripes and have pointed noses.
These musk turtles can be found in large streams with sand or gravel substrates. They also require objects like logs or stones in the water to provide shelter and protection from predators. Debris in the water also provides refuge for prey items. Razor-backed musk turtles are most active during the day and are usually seen basking or hunting when they seek out aquatic invertebrates like insect larvae, crayfish, and snails. Adults prefer mollusks over insects, they may also rarely consume plant material.
The breeding season lasts from late spring to early summer. Females will produce 1 to 3 clutches yearly, and hatchings will emerge from nests in three months. Hatchling razorbacks are tiny, approximately 0.9 – 1.2 in (2.3 – 3 cm), and are adorable.
While keeping razor-backed musk turtles as pets in the United States is uncommon, they are sometimes kept as pets overseas in Asia.
13) Smooth softshell (Apalone mutica)
- Family: Trionychidae
- Adult weight: Unknown, presumably similar to the spiny softshell
- Adult carapace length: 4.5 – 14 in (11.4 – 36 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 14 in (36 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20+ years
- Lifespan (captive): 11 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Smooth softshells have a flat, smooth shell and a long nose. Smooth softshell turtles are known for their soft, flexible shells, which distinguish them from other turtle species. They love big river habitats but can be found in many aquatic habitats.
Like spiny softshells, smooth softshells have pointed noses to inhale oxygen while keeping their bodies submerged. Interestingly, the smooth softshell has adapted the ability to absorb oxygen from the water, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods compared to other turtles. As a result, this species spends almost its entire life exclusively in the water, only leaving it to lay eggs or bask. Additionally, smooth softshells will bury themselves in the substrate of a body of water, sticking their nose up to the surface to breathe. This behavior helps them avoid predators and adverse environmental conditions.
Mating even occurs in the water. Males take four years to mature, and females take nine, on average. Females leave the water during their summer nesting period to dig a nest and deposit their eggs with clutch sizes of up to 33 eggs.
14) Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Eastern painted turtle
- Adult weight: 1 lb (0.5 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 5 – 6 in (12.7 – 15.2 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 10 in (25 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 – 25 years
- Lifespan (captive): 20 – 25 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
This species is another slider look-alike with dark colors, some patterning on their shell, and stripes along the face. However, the defining feature of this species is the orange coloration on the exposed inner margins of the shell. They also have very ornate red patterns on their underside, although the degree of patterning varies by subspecies.
Painted turtles are common in wetlands and marshes, often co-occurring with other similar turtles, although they tend to be smaller than species like the river cooter or sliders. They have an omnivorous diet, including various invertebrates, fish, and plant materials. In addition, young painted turtles are worthwhile prey for mammals, birds, and predatory fish making this species an essential member of the local food chain.
There are two subspecies of painted turtle in Oklahoma, the western painted turtle (C. p. bellii) and the southern painted turtle (C. p. dorsalis). Western painted turtles are found in the state’s northernmost region, whereas southern painted turtles are native to the southeastern corner of Oklahoma. The southern painted turtle was given full species status in 2003, but there is some contention among scientists regarding its status as a full species. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System regards the southern painted turtle as a subspecies of the painted turtle as of 2014.
This species is often kept as a pet because of its pretty coloration and docile nature. Potential painted turtle parents should acquire their new pet from a reputable breeder rather than from the wild. While not federally endangered, some states report declines in painted turtle populations, and taking this species from the wild may be illegal.
15) Northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica)
- Family: Emydidae
- Other common names: Common map turtle
- Adult weight: 0.8 – 5.5 lbs (0.36 – 2.5 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 4 – 10.5 in (10.2 – 26.7 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 10.8 in (27.4 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 20 years
- Lifespan (captive): 30 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Northern map turtles are common in the northeastern part of the United States and are superficially similar to pond sliders (Trachemys scripta). Both species belong to the same family, which explains their similar appearance. However, a few clues can help a turtle fanatic tell them apart. First, the margins, or edges, of the shell of map turtles are more serrated than sliders. Map turtles also possess distinct ridges along the back of their shells, whereas pond sliders are nearly entirely smooth. Additionally, the plastron, or underside, of northern map turtles is usually plain, which can help distinguish them from other map turtles.
Males and females vary drastically, with males growing up to 6 inches (15 cm) and females growing up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. Interestingly, clutches laid at the end of summer may delay hatching until the following spring. This ability likely improves the survival of clutches through the winter.
This species can be found sunning on the banks of weedy aquatic habitats, including slow rivers, reservoirs, creeks, and lakes. Here, they will hunt for insects and crustaceans within the water. Additionally, mature adults possess strong jaw muscles that allow them to crack open snails and crayfish.
16) Chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia)
- Family: Emydidae
- Adult weight: 1.3 lbs (0.59 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 4.7 – 7.9 in (12 – 20 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 10 in (25 cm)
- Lifespan (wild): 24 years
- Lifespan (captive): 13 years
- Conservation status: Not rated by the IUCN, not of conservation concern
Chicken turtles are usually found in ephemeral bodies of freshwater located in wetlands. These shallow bodies of water come and go with the seasons. The chicken turtle’s tolerance of these conditions allows them to avoid large predators like alligators and competition with other turtles. Both groups prefer permanent bodies of water and avoid the shallow, temporary pools the chicken turtle enjoys. Here, chicken turtles hunt aquatic insects and crustaceans like crayfish.
They possess unusually long necks, distinguishing them from pond sliders and painted turtles. Their long necks might help them reach into crayfish burrows or to keep their bodies hidden underwater while still allowing the turtle to breathe. Additionally, adults have dark shells with a web-like pattern on their scutes. Their bellies are usually cream or yellow colored with tiny marks.
Several reproductive adaptations accompany the chicken turtle’s habitat preference. Females can control when eggs develop, allowing them to build nests during seasons when their young are more likely to survive. Once laid, eggs can enter a dormant state called diapause, usually if temperatures are low, and development resumes once temperatures are favorable. Males reach maturity at two years, and females do so at 5. Females will produce up to two clutches annually with around ten eggs per nest.
17) Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
- Family: Chelydridae
- Other common names: Alligator snapper
- Adult weight: 155 – 175 lbs (70 – 79 kg)
- Adult carapace length: 31 in (79 cm)
- Maximum verified size: 220+ lbs (100+ kg)
- Lifespan (wild): 45 years
- Lifespan (captive): 70 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
As their name suggests, alligator snapping turtles are giant, dinosaur-like turtles with powerful jaws. Their thick heads house muscles that allow their beaks to break bones. The alligator snapper’s shell is rugged with three distinct ridges. Compared to the common snapping turtle, the alligator snapper’s ridges are more distinct, and its beak is hooked.
Due to their large size, alligator snapping turtles prefer large rivers and lakes and will hide amongst submerged logs or other debris. They are carnivores that predate upon fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Adults typically consume fish and other large prey items and hunt at night and during the day. When hunting, alligator snapping turtles hide on the bottom of a lake and use a lure-like tongue to draw in unsuspecting fish.
Alligator snappers are found in the Arkansas, Canadian, and Red River drainages in Oklahoma. Individuals can be spotted in other major drainages as well. It is best to avoid this species when spotted. They are not dangerous to humans but may bite if provoked.
