Alligator snapping turtle

Description:

The alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. It is not closely related to, but is often associated with the common snapping turtle. They are the sole living member of the genus Macrochelys - while common snappers are in the genus Chelydra. The epithet temminckii is in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.

Notes:

This spotting is from an ongoing release/repopulation project in Oklahoma. It's part of a collaboration between 2 universities, USFWS, Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, and Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum. These images are from a recent trapping session to monitor the population of alligator snapping turtles in a particular waterway. Of course, due to the sensitive nature of this species and the ongoing project, I shall keep the exact location to myself.