CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing threatened status for alligator snapping turtles, found in a dozen states, including Illinois.
The agency estimated there are about 360,000 alligator snapping turtles in a dozen states along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
It said that number is low and without more protection, they could be all but wiped out in 30 to 50 years.
Turtle soup is listed as one reason.
In the 1960s and 1970s, they were harvested in large numbers, especially in the south. Reproduction is slow and eggs are taken by predators.
“Alligator snappers are some of the fiercest, wildest creatures,” said Elise Bennett of the Center for Biological Diversity, which sued for new protection.
But, she told WBBM Newsradio, “over-exploitation and habitat destruction have put their lives on the line.”
Though these turtles are already protected this would add a new layer.
They can live for 80 years and males can reach about 250 pounds.
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