How do you tell if an alligator snapping turtle is a male or female?

Question

How do you tell if an alligator snapping turtle is a male or female?

Answer 1

Look at the tail from underneath. With the tail held straight back, is the vent under the carapace (upper shell)? If so, you have a female or an immature male. If the vent is beyond the carapace, you have a mature male.

If you are keeping one as a pet, I suspect it is immature and you won't be able to tell for many years. Not that it matters; the turtle won't be interested in mating.

Answer 2

try and grab it