Alligator Snapping Turtle Found in Oregon Reservoir

[Dan F]

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.


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They are considered invasive because they aren't native west of the Rockies and because they are killing off native species like the Western Pond Turtle.

 

[Dan F]

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.

I agree, the ridge down the center and the serrated margin are what says to me it is an AST, as well as the proportionally large head.

 

[doomiedee]

They are considered invasive because they aren't native west of the Rockies and because they are killing off native species like the Western Pond Turtle.

Maybe they established there because they would have no real predators?


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[ballinouttacntrol]

Dan, isn't that the same reservoir that was drained a couple of years ago because someone peed in it?

 

[MN_Rebel]

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.

You can tell that from that picture???

Ok sure let's just call that one AST to so everyone can be satisfied.

 

[MN_Rebel]

Maybe they established there because they would have no real predators?


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The snapping turtles are pretty much untouchable to most predators in their native range beside the humans.

 

[doomiedee]

You can tell that from that picture???

Ok sure let's just call that one AST to so everyone can be satisfied.

Commons look much different. Here's a google pic. I tried to find one at a similar angle so it gives a better reference.


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[MN_Rebel]

I agree, the ridge down the center and the serrated margin are what says to me it is an AST, as well as the proportionally large head.

Except that the ridge down the center is pretty smaller and the serrated margin isn't confirmed to AST only as some common snapping turtles has them as well. Seen few common snappers with proportionally large head as well. But hey let's name that one as AST

 

[doomiedee]

The snapping turtles are pretty much untouchable to most predators in their native range beside the humans.

That's my point. Out there the only thing that I would think to be strong enough to crack the shell is a bear but getting the turtle out of water with out getting chomped is another challenge in it self.


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[MN_Rebel]

That's my point. Out there the only thing that I would think to be strong enough to crack the shell is a bear but getting the turtle out of water with out getting chomped is another challenge in it self.


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I've found few articles that otters do taken adult snapping turtles (regardless of what species) during winters when the turtles are sluggish and lethargic. That doesn't mean the snapping turtles are harmless toward to the native western turtles as they may feed on them but then again smaller turtles are not often ended up on their diet.