I am an advanced turtle keeper/breeder who mainly focuses on emydids, but I have always dreamed of keeping at least one Alligator Snapping turtle for use in educational programs that I typically organize for schools.

I am finally at the point where I can adequately feed and house the species, but I am still mentally undecided.

I'm looking for any information keepers can give me that isn't typically in books or on caresheets. For instance...personality, activity level, keeper recognition, etc.. Also, do the bite defensively underwater? I've never seen nor heard reputable stories of a common snapper biting defensively unless they were out of water...is this also true for AST?

ANY personal experience that you can share will be greatly appreciated.

I'd be starting with a captive bred animal approx. 5" TCL...and I have my choice of sex (I'm leaning towards female because a large male would present a logistical problem when organizing a talk). This animal will be used for educational purposes, but it will also be a beloved pet. This is why I enter the commitment cautiously.

Thanks in advance.

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