Elvira the Alligator Snapping Turtle

Elvira

Alligator Snapping Turtle

This prehistoric turtle was donated by a local pet shop who received him as an unwanted pet because he was getting too big and difficult to maintain.

Alligator snapping turtles are not found in Connecticut but are found in the southern United States. They are easily distinguished by their tongue, which has adapted to look like a small worm that will wiggle as the turtle sits at the bottom of ponds with its mouth open trying to lure in small fish and other would be prey.

Resident at our West Hartford CT campus