Diurnal Observations of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii)

Carl J. Franklin^1,*, Viviana Ricardez¹, Sal Scibetta¹, David Rosenbaum², and Ben Grizzle³

¹Texas Turtles, 1001 Denmark Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. ²Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State University 419 East College Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75962. ³Quail Forever, 45 S. Lumpkin Street, Hwkinsville, GA 31036. *Corresponding author.

Southeastern Naturalist,Volume 22, Special Issue 12 (2023): 410–417

Abstract
Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) is a shy, well-camouflaged species that often inhabits turbid water. These factors, as well as the success of baited hoop traps in attracting the species at night, have created the perception that the species is predominantly nocturnal and does not bask. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that the species is also diurnally active and does bask. The use of binoculars and high-range cameras combined with extensive time in the field allowed us to document 25 instances of diurnal activity including behaviors such as basking, protrusion of the head above water, swimming, and foraging (i.e., entering baited traps). Our observations contribute to increasing evidence that both adults and juveniles exhibit basking and other diurnal behaviors.

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