On June 26, 2024, the Center for Biological Diversity of St. Petersburg, Florida, released that an important agreement was reached with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Though the snappers still need habitat protection in Florida, this much-needed step may deter or slow continued endangerment.
These prehistoric-looking turtles live in the Suwannee River basin in north Florida. The alligator snapping turtle is protected as a State Species of Special Concern by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.
“I’m relieved Suwannee alligator snappers are finally getting the strong federal protection they need to hang on,” said Elise Bennett, Florida and Caribbean director at the Center. “But these magnificent turtles also need equally strong protections for the streams, lakes and swamps where they live to ensure their survival.”
Suwannee Alligator Snapper
The Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is a freshwater creature, identifiable by its three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates – unlike the smoother common snapping turtle. The tank-like dinosaur-looking creatures have large triangular-shaped heads, large claws, strong, beaked jaws, and long tails. They are often covered in algae.