Alligator Snapping Turtle Found in Oregon Reservoir

[MN_Rebel]

It's an AST - look at the shell and it is pretty clear, plus the head is way too big.

I don't want to argue with you but it still looks like a common snapping turtle to me than an alligator snapping turtle.

 

[krichardson]

They have alot of conflicting range info for snapping turtles I would believe it was naturaly occuring and even though it is an endangered species they destroyed it.

Then why kill it?

 

[Dan F]

I don't want to argue with you but it still looks like a common snapping turtle to me than an alligator snapping turtle.

No arguing, just a little discussion of the species ID. It isn't a super-clear photo, buy the upturned serrated margin of the carapace is a fairly positive identifying feature. Not to mention that the DFW identified it as such. I've kept a CST for about twelve years and I would say that the photo is of an AST with 99% certainty.

Then why kill it?

They killed this one because that is their protocol, I am pretty sure most DFW have the same policy. Also, they are classified as 'vulnerable' rather than 'endangered' (one step less threatened).

 

[krichardson]

I figured it was a matter of policy to kill the turtle but,if what Scott said is true,that the turtle was not dumped,I'd think it would just be relocated.

 

[MN_Rebel]

No arguing, just a little discussion of the species ID. It isn't a super-clear photo, buy the upturned serrated margin of the carapace is a fairly positive identifying feature. Not to mention that the DFW identified it as such. I've kept a CST for about twelve years and I would say that the photo is of an AST with 99% certainty..

Still I've seen many DFW or FWS has misidentified the species which happens more often than you think. I've seen few common snapping turtles that look similar to that turtle in the picture.

 

[Dan F]

Still I've seen many DFW or FWS has misidentified the species which happens more often than you think. I've seen few common snapping turtles that look similar to that turtle in the picture.

Got to agree to disagree on this one!

By the way, what in the heck is that in your avatar?

 

[MN_Rebel]

Got to agree to disagree on this one!

By the way, what in the heck is that in your avatar?

Your worst nightmare.....but it's just a dead hogfish that my cousin found on the beach in Florida last winter.

 

[Dan F]

Your worst nightmare.....but it's just a dead hogfish that my cousin found on the beach in Florida last winter.

Crazy, I've never seen a mouth like that on a fish....

 

[doomiedee]

I don't get how it's invasive if it's still a us native species of snapping turtle. They are even all over the north east. I posted a thread about one a long time ago. I find dead hatchling on the side of the road all the time. Even in the winter I've seen a few.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[Aquanero]

That's an Alligator not a common. The shell has all the characteristics of and Alligator and the size and shape of the head also fit.