ATLANTA — The dinosaur of the turtle world is on the decline, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The agency said that the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is being listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act with a rule that will tailor protections to support its conservation needs. The FWS decided not to designate critical habitat for the turtle as it could increase poaching.
“This listing will further unite the Service and our partners on the conservation of this iconic species while ensuring those that rely on the outdoors for their recreation and livelihoods can continue their pursuits,” FWS Southeast Regional Director Mike Oetker said.
These snapping turtles are considered to be the dinosaurs of the turtle world because they are the largest freshwater turtles in North America. They're also known for their massive size, as the males can weigh more than 200 pounds.
They have rough, spiked brown shells akin to alligator skin with ridges running the length of the upper shell, ending in a tail nearly as long as the body. A huge, wedged head supports these turtles' massive jaws, which end in hooked beaks. They even have a worm-like appendage on a long, narrow tongue -- allowing them to attract prey like fish, frogs, snakes, waterfowl, small mammals and other turtles, FWS said.
These turtles are only found in the Suwannee River basin of Georgia and Florida, according to a release.
The NWS said they are considered threatened because there are only about 2,000 of them. Illegal harvest, collection, hook ingestion, entanglement from recreational and commercial fishing, and nest predation are key factors in why they're being threatened.
The turtle is listed as a state-designated threatened species in Georgia and Florida. In the Sunshine State, it's illegal to take, possess or sell these turtles. Whereas in the Peach State, it's illegal to harass, capture, kill, sell or purchase the species. Georgia law also prohibits destroying the species' habitat on public lands, FWS said.
