Alligator Snapping Turtle - in Captivity

In Captivity

Alligator snapping turtles are usually captive-bred as pets and are readily available in the exotic animal trade. Due to their potential size and specific needs, they do not make particularly good pets for any but the most experienced aquatic turtle keepers.

They prefer to feed on live fish which they catch with their special technique but would readily feed on other types of meat or leafy vegetables if offered. Hand feeding with is dangerous, as an alligator snapping turtle is capable of removing a finger with an errant bite. Temperature extremes are known to affect the turtle's appetite and would result in the turtle refusing to feed until it has been remedied.

Due to their sheer size, handling adult specimens can pose significant problems. Small turtles can be held by the tail with relative safety, but large individuals must be held by grasping the turtle's shell just behind the head and in front of the tail.

Despite their reputation they are typically not prone to biting, but if provoked are quite capable of delivering a bite with their powerful jaws which can cause significant harm to a human, easily amputating fingers. Some states where alligator snapping turtles do not naturally occur (such as California) prohibit them from being kept as pets by residents.