100-pound Snapping Turtle

Few animals at Shedd have the drawing power of the big alligator snapping turtle sitting doing nothing. With his back to the crowd. What is it that fascinates people? Try size, longevity and perceived danger. Here are the facts:

Oh, yes, these turtles get big – in fact, Macroclemys temmincki, as scientists know it, is the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. Alligator snappers can grow to 175 pounds in the wild, and even heavier – the record is 251 pounds – in aquariums and zoos, where the meals are more regular.