Alligator Snapping Turtle
“Meet the Alligator Snapping Turtle: The Ancient, Armor-Clad Predator with a Worm-Like Tongue Lure and a Bite Stronger Than a Lion’s!”
The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a prehistoric-looking freshwater turtle that exudes primal power and stealth. Known for its ancient lineage and specialized hunting techniques, this turtle is as fascinating as it is fearsome.
Appearance:
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is a hulking reptile with a jagged, ridged carapace resembling the scales of an alligator. The shell can reach lengths of up to 26 inches and is typically dark brown, gray, or olive-green, often coated with algae for camouflage. Its massive, triangular head supports powerful jaws with a hooked, beak-like structure capable of delivering a crushing bite. Small eyes positioned on the sides of its head enhance its ability to detect predators and prey while remaining inconspicuous. Its thick, scaled tail, nearly as long as its shell, adds to its ancient, dragon-like appearance.
Behavior:
A master of patience, the Alligator Snapping Turtle is predominantly a solitary ambush predator. Unlike its more active relatives, it spends most of its time submerged and motionless, conserving energy while waiting for prey. Despite its intimidating size and bite strength, it rarely displays aggression toward humans unless provoked. This turtle is nocturnal and primarily aquatic, venturing onto land only to lay eggs.
Habitat:
This species inhabits the slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes of the southeastern United States, particularly within the Mississippi River Basin and Gulf Coast. Preferring waters with muddy bottoms and abundant vegetation, the turtle thrives in environments that allow it to remain hidden while hunting.
Modus Operandi:
The Alligator Snapping Turtle employs a unique hunting strategy: lying completely still with its jaws open wide, it reveals a pink, worm-like appendage on its tongue. The lure wriggles to mimic the movement of prey, such as fish or amphibians, tricking unsuspecting victims into swimming into the turtle’s trap. With lightning-fast reflexes, the jaws snap shut, delivering a bite that can crush bone. While its primary diet includes fish, it is an opportunistic omnivore, also feeding on mollusks, plants, and carrion.
Motivation:
The turtle’s motivation is simple and instinctual: survival and reproduction. Its calculated hunting behavior and reclusive nature reflect its need to conserve energy while maximizing its chances of capturing prey. On land, its sole purpose is to perpetuate the species, as females lay clutches of 10-50 eggs in sandy nests near water, ensuring the next generation continues its ancient legacy.
Alligator Snapping Turtle 5e
Alligator Snapping Turtle 5E Stat Block
Alligator Snapping Turtle 3.5 (Homebrew)
Alligator Turtle
Medium beast, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
Speed 20 ft., swim 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 2 (–4) | 12 (+1) | 7 (–2) |
Saving Throws Str +4, Con +3
Skills Stealth +3
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages —
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
SPECIAL TRAITS
- Hold Breath. The turtle can hold its breath for 1 hour.
ACTIONS
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage and the target is grappled (escape DC 12). Until this grapple ends, the turtle can’t bite another target.
ABOUT
Alligator turtles are ornery reptiles, noted for their combative disposition while on land. Their necks are deceptively long and flexible, allowing them to strike a startlingly far distance with their beak-like jaws.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Tome of Beasts 2. © 2020 Open Design LLC; Authors Wolfgang Baur, Celeste Conowitch, Darrin Drader, James Introcaso, Philip Larwood, Jeff Lee, Kelly Pawlik, Brian Suskind, Mike Welham.
Alligator Snapping Turtle

Originally Posted by Raptorial of the Wizards Community forums.
Alligator Snapping Turtle | |
Medium animal | |
Hit Dice | 2d8+12 (21 hp) |
Initiative | +2 (+2 Dexterity) |
Speed | 5 ft. (1 square), Swim 10 ft. (2 squares) |
Armor Class | 19 (+2 Dexterity, +7 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 1 |
Base Attack/Grapple | +1/+8 |
Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d8 +7) |
Full Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d8 +7) |
Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
Special Attacks | – |
Special Qualities | Low-Light Vision |
Saves | Fort +9, Ref +7, Will -1 |
Abilities | Strength 24, Dexterity 15, Constitution 22, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 9, Charisma 13 |
Skills | Hide +6, Intimidate +2, Listen -1, Spot -1 |
Feats | lightning reflexes |
Environment | Warm swamps |
Organization | Solitary |
Challenge Rating | 3 |
Treasure | None |
Alignment | Always neutral |
Advancement | 3-4 HD (Medium); 5-6 HD (Large) |
Level Adjustment | – |
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Small beast, unaligned
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 34 (4d6 + 16)
Speed: 20 ft., swim 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (-2) |
Skills: Perception +3
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Challenge: 1/4 (50 XP)
TRAITS
- Amphibious. The alligator snapping turtle can breathe both air and water.
- Camouflage. While submerged in murky water, the alligator snapping turtle has advantage on Stealth checks to remain hidden.
- Slow and Steady. The alligator snapping turtle moves slowly but is capable of withstanding harsh conditions. It has advantage on saving throws against being knocked prone or pushed.
ACTIONS
- Bite.
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 10 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be grappled by the turtle. The turtle can hold onto the target with its jaws for up to 1 minute. While grappled, the target takes 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage at the start of each of the turtle’s turns. - Shell Defense (Recharge 5-6).
The turtle can retreat into its shell as a bonus action, gaining +4 AC and resistance to all damage except psychic. The turtle cannot take actions while inside its shell but can still use its bite when enemies approach.
TACTICS
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is a patient and stealthy ambush predator. It uses its Camouflage to remain hidden underwater, waiting for prey to get close. Once in range, it strikes with its Bite to grab and damage its prey. If overwhelmed, it will retreat into its shell for protection, using its natural defenses to withstand attacks. It doesn’t actively pursue its prey but will strike when an opportunity presents itself.
The turtle is not particularly fast or agile but has a powerful bite capable of incapacitating smaller creatures. It is more likely to engage if a target is within range or if it is forced into combat. The turtle fights defensively when necessary and will use its Shell Defense to avoid taking damage when its hit points drop too low.
DESCRIPTION
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is a slow-moving but formidable creature, native to freshwater habitats in the southeastern United States. Its appearance resembles that of an ancient, armored dinosaur, with a rough, spiked carapace and a massive, heavy head. The turtle relies on stealth, remaining still in murky water with its mouth open, using its tongue as a lure to attract prey. When a creature comes close enough, the turtle quickly snaps its jaws shut to capture and subdue its target.
Though it is capable of withstanding damage, the alligator snapping turtle is generally not aggressive unless provoked. It spends most of its time submerged, only leaving the water to nest during breeding season.