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Coyote: There he is!
It's like the loch ness monster.
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00:00:03,604 --> 00:00:05,704
This is unreal.
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00:00:05,706 --> 00:00:07,506
Go.
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00:00:07,508 --> 00:00:13,012
♪
5
00:00:13,014 --> 00:00:19,018
♪
6
00:00:19,020 --> 00:00:20,819
I got him! I got him!
7
00:00:20,821 --> 00:00:24,490
-Right here.
-He's pulling me back!
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00:00:24,492 --> 00:00:26,025
Coyote:
My name is coyote peterson,
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00:00:26,027 --> 00:00:27,559
And I've traveled the world
10
00:00:27,561 --> 00:00:30,329
Seeking out the most fascinating
animals on our planet.
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00:00:30,331 --> 00:00:31,764
Look at that.
12
00:00:31,766 --> 00:00:33,298
No matter the location,
13
00:00:33,300 --> 00:00:36,101
My mission has always
been the same --
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00:00:36,103 --> 00:00:39,905
To get up close and uncover
the secrets of the creatures
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00:00:39,907 --> 00:00:44,510
That we often misunderstand,
even worse, fear.
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00:00:44,512 --> 00:00:48,814
Every animal has a story
and I brave the wild to tell it.
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00:00:48,816 --> 00:00:51,817
-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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00:00:51,819 --> 00:00:54,820
Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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00:00:54,822 --> 00:00:57,423
The very origin of
my fascination with animals
20
00:00:57,425 --> 00:01:01,927
Began with an elusive reptile
known as the snapping turtle.
21
00:01:01,929 --> 00:01:04,296
Look at that dragon,
my goodness.
22
00:01:04,298 --> 00:01:05,497
[ grunts ]
23
00:01:05,499 --> 00:01:07,566
These swamp monsters
captured my attention
24
00:01:07,568 --> 00:01:10,102
From a very young age
and played a crucial role
25
00:01:10,104 --> 00:01:14,039
In honing my ability to
interact with dangerous animals.
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00:01:14,041 --> 00:01:16,108
From daring leaps after
common snappers
27
00:01:16,110 --> 00:01:18,510
In the murky waters
of ohio's wetlands...
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00:01:18,512 --> 00:01:20,245
Wow, look at that.
29
00:01:20,247 --> 00:01:22,548
...To heart-racing moments
with alligator snappers
30
00:01:22,550 --> 00:01:24,316
In swamps of the deep south...
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00:01:24,318 --> 00:01:26,985
Oh, that is a good-size turtle!
Yes!
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00:01:26,987 --> 00:01:28,654
...These prehistoric-looking
reptiles
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00:01:28,656 --> 00:01:33,692
Took hold of my imagination
and never let go.
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00:01:33,694 --> 00:01:35,627
I've caught some big turtles,
35
00:01:35,629 --> 00:01:39,064
But I've always dreamed
of landing the world record.
36
00:01:39,066 --> 00:01:41,834
On this adventure, I'm going
after what could be
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00:01:41,836 --> 00:01:45,871
The largest living alligator
snapping turtle on the planet.
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00:01:45,873 --> 00:01:48,373
With a head the size
of a basketball and jaws
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00:01:48,375 --> 00:01:50,309
Powerful enough to break bones,
40
00:01:50,311 --> 00:01:54,746
This enormous turtle is rumored
to be over 100 years old,
41
00:01:54,748 --> 00:01:57,983
And my mission is to safely
catch and figure out
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00:01:57,985 --> 00:02:01,753
If this legendary turtle of
texas is a new world record.
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00:02:01,755 --> 00:02:10,729
♪
44
00:02:10,731 --> 00:02:19,738
♪
45
00:02:19,740 --> 00:02:23,475
My journey began in the small
rural town of newbury, ohio,
46
00:02:23,477 --> 00:02:26,044
Where each and every summer
I spend countless hours
47
00:02:26,046 --> 00:02:28,881
Searching the swamps
for common snapping turtles.
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00:02:28,883 --> 00:02:32,551
As the years passed,
my adventures became more grand,
49
00:02:32,553 --> 00:02:34,720
And I recognized
that my life's mission
50
00:02:34,722 --> 00:02:36,588
Was to teach the world
about wildlife.
51
00:02:36,590 --> 00:02:38,557
Oh, oh, he's trying to bite me.
52
00:02:38,559 --> 00:02:41,493
Wow, look at that.
53
00:02:41,495 --> 00:02:43,362
Traveling the globe,
I have been lucky enough
54
00:02:43,364 --> 00:02:45,264
To get up close and personal
55
00:02:45,266 --> 00:02:48,367
With many of our planet's
most fascinating creatures,
56
00:02:48,369 --> 00:02:51,103
Yet there's one place
I always come back to,
57
00:02:51,105 --> 00:02:55,307
A protected wetland in central
ohio called thoreau lake.
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00:02:55,309 --> 00:02:56,708
For more than a decade,
59
00:02:56,710 --> 00:02:58,544
I have been
collecting biometrics
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00:02:58,546 --> 00:03:00,779
And monitoring the health
of the population of common
61
00:03:00,781 --> 00:03:04,049
Snapping turtles that live
in this body of water,
62
00:03:04,051 --> 00:03:06,051
So it's only fitting
that I return to visit
63
00:03:06,053 --> 00:03:08,720
Some old friends
before heading south
64
00:03:08,722 --> 00:03:11,990
Where I will attempt to land
the legendary turtle of texas.
65
00:03:11,992 --> 00:03:14,426
♪
66
00:03:14,428 --> 00:03:16,461
The technique for catching
a snapping turtle,
67
00:03:16,463 --> 00:03:18,096
I gear myself up with cameras.
68
00:03:18,098 --> 00:03:19,264
I put a gopro on my shoulder.
69
00:03:19,266 --> 00:03:20,966
I'll put a gopro on the kayak
70
00:03:20,968 --> 00:03:23,802
Because I always want to capture
that moment of the catch.
71
00:03:23,804 --> 00:03:26,505
You never know what the next
turtle is going to be,
72
00:03:26,507 --> 00:03:27,973
And the next one could be
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00:03:27,975 --> 00:03:29,942
A world-record-size
snapping turtle.
74
00:03:29,944 --> 00:03:31,743
All right, here we go.
75
00:03:31,745 --> 00:03:37,216
It's time to catch a turtle.
76
00:03:37,218 --> 00:03:38,817
And the reason I use a kayak
77
00:03:38,819 --> 00:03:41,620
Is because it puts me at
a higher level above the water.
78
00:03:41,622 --> 00:03:43,255
Now if you were to sit and row,
79
00:03:43,257 --> 00:03:45,924
You can sometimes see turtles
moving along the surface,
80
00:03:45,926 --> 00:03:48,460
But if you're standing, which is
a bit of a balancing act,
81
00:03:48,462 --> 00:03:51,863
I can row and then look
straight down into the water,
82
00:03:51,865 --> 00:03:53,765
And on a perfectly sunny day,
83
00:03:53,767 --> 00:03:55,767
You can see straight down
to the bottom
84
00:03:55,769 --> 00:03:58,537
And see those dragons
moving across the mud.
85
00:03:58,539 --> 00:04:07,746
♪
86
00:04:07,748 --> 00:04:09,982
Whoo!
87
00:04:09,984 --> 00:04:11,583
That's a big turtle!
88
00:04:11,585 --> 00:04:12,751
Whoa!
89
00:04:12,753 --> 00:04:19,024
♪
90
00:04:19,026 --> 00:04:22,928
Oh!
91
00:04:22,930 --> 00:04:24,896
Oh!
92
00:04:24,898 --> 00:04:26,632
I lost him!
93
00:04:26,634 --> 00:04:27,799
It's a dangerous challenge,
94
00:04:27,801 --> 00:04:29,501
And if I'm in water
over my head,
95
00:04:29,503 --> 00:04:31,303
I have to be very careful
because if a turtle
96
00:04:31,305 --> 00:04:34,840
That weighs 40 or 50 pounds
latches onto your body
97
00:04:34,842 --> 00:04:36,675
And you start getting
tangled up into plants,
98
00:04:36,677 --> 00:04:39,077
Into weeds, your clothes
fill up with water,
99
00:04:39,079 --> 00:04:40,812
You're gonna sink,
and you're gonna drown,
100
00:04:40,814 --> 00:04:42,247
And I think probably
the worst way to go
101
00:04:42,249 --> 00:04:44,082
Would be death
by snapping turtle,
102
00:04:44,084 --> 00:04:46,752
But it's certainly risk
I'm always willing to take
103
00:04:46,754 --> 00:04:49,154
To get up close
with these animals.
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00:04:49,156 --> 00:04:55,627
♪
105
00:04:55,629 --> 00:05:02,934
♪
106
00:05:02,936 --> 00:05:06,638
Big turtle! Here we go!
Bringing him up!
107
00:05:06,640 --> 00:05:08,006
Look at that!
108
00:05:08,008 --> 00:05:09,775
That is a huge dragon!
109
00:05:09,777 --> 00:05:15,013
♪
110
00:05:15,015 --> 00:05:17,949
Wow, okay.
We have got our turtle.
111
00:05:17,951 --> 00:05:19,217
I got to get over to shore.
112
00:05:19,219 --> 00:05:25,190
♪
113
00:05:25,192 --> 00:05:27,359
Jeez, that's a big turtle.
Come down.
114
00:05:27,361 --> 00:05:31,196
Okay. Wow.
115
00:05:31,198 --> 00:05:35,434
And that turtle probably
weighs close to 50 pounds.
116
00:05:35,436 --> 00:05:37,803
Now the snapping turtle
gets its name, of course,
117
00:05:37,805 --> 00:05:40,005
From that powerful bite,
118
00:05:40,007 --> 00:05:42,574
And those jaws
are bone-crushing.
119
00:05:42,576 --> 00:05:44,576
If I were to get my fingers
stuck into the mouth
120
00:05:44,578 --> 00:05:46,378
Of that turtle,
there's a good chance
121
00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:48,580
I would not be getting it back.
122
00:05:48,582 --> 00:05:50,949
One distinct feature that
separates this turtle
123
00:05:50,951 --> 00:05:53,552
From other turtle species
is its shell.
124
00:05:53,554 --> 00:05:56,154
Now the top of the shell --
whoa! Watch out for that bite.
125
00:05:56,156 --> 00:05:57,923
Is called the carapace.
126
00:05:57,925 --> 00:06:01,793
You can see just how massive
this turtle truly is
127
00:06:01,795 --> 00:06:03,395
When I set it
in water like that,
128
00:06:03,397 --> 00:06:05,664
But the underside
of the snapping turtle,
129
00:06:05,666 --> 00:06:09,067
Which is called the plastron,
is very distinct.
130
00:06:09,069 --> 00:06:12,371
Do you see how small
the underside of this turtle is?
131
00:06:12,373 --> 00:06:14,906
Their arms and legs are not
capable of being tucked
132
00:06:14,908 --> 00:06:17,142
Into the shell
like other turtle species.
133
00:06:17,144 --> 00:06:18,176
That's why they have developed
134
00:06:18,178 --> 00:06:21,713
These incredibly
defensive traits.
135
00:06:21,715 --> 00:06:23,048
Watch yourself.
136
00:06:23,050 --> 00:06:24,716
I'm bringing the turtle back
down here in front. Okay.
137
00:06:24,718 --> 00:06:28,587
Let me get it back up
on my knee. [ groans ]
138
00:06:28,589 --> 00:06:32,491
That is an absolute dinosaur
right there.
139
00:06:32,493 --> 00:06:35,494
As we know, turtles are no way
related to dinosaurs,
140
00:06:35,496 --> 00:06:38,263
But turtles and their ancestors
have been on the planet
141
00:06:38,265 --> 00:06:41,299
For more than 200 million years,
and you can see
142
00:06:41,301 --> 00:06:44,302
That just the evolutionary state
of this turtle
143
00:06:44,304 --> 00:06:47,906
Has not taken it far
from prehistoric times.
144
00:06:47,908 --> 00:06:50,242
And one of the most terrifying
things about a snapping turtle
145
00:06:50,244 --> 00:06:51,543
Is that if you're
in this environment
146
00:06:51,545 --> 00:06:54,279
And you come across those jaws
and you get caught,
147
00:06:54,281 --> 00:06:57,582
You are alive
when it begins to eat you.
148
00:06:57,584 --> 00:07:00,552
Now the reason that I wanted
to catch a turtle this size was
149
00:07:00,554 --> 00:07:02,187
So that you could
get an idea of
150
00:07:02,189 --> 00:07:05,791
Just how big
these reptiles can grow,
151
00:07:05,793 --> 00:07:07,759
But believe it or not,
the common snapping turtle
152
00:07:07,761 --> 00:07:10,395
Has an even larger cousin.
153
00:07:10,397 --> 00:07:11,897
The alligator snapping turtle
154
00:07:11,899 --> 00:07:15,066
Is the largest freshwater turtle
in north america,
155
00:07:15,068 --> 00:07:16,601
But to catch that species,
156
00:07:16,603 --> 00:07:21,306
We're gonna have to head down
to the swamps of south texas.
157
00:07:21,308 --> 00:07:24,676
They say that everything
is bigger in texas,
158
00:07:24,678 --> 00:07:27,846
And when it comes to their
turtles, they aren't kidding.
159
00:07:27,848 --> 00:07:29,114
The alligator snapping turtle
160
00:07:29,116 --> 00:07:31,850
Is native to
the southeastern united states,
161
00:07:31,852 --> 00:07:34,653
And it's here in the murky
waters of artesian lakes
162
00:07:34,655 --> 00:07:36,955
Where a world record
may be hiding.
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00:07:36,957 --> 00:07:40,859
♪
164
00:07:40,861 --> 00:07:42,594
Some that have seen
this turtle claim
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00:07:42,596 --> 00:07:44,996
It's the size of a small car.
166
00:07:44,998 --> 00:07:46,798
Others think it's old enough
to have been alive
167
00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:48,600
During the civil war,
168
00:07:48,602 --> 00:07:52,137
But everyone who has been
witness to this reptile agrees
169
00:07:52,139 --> 00:07:54,806
That it's the biggest turtle
they have ever seen,
170
00:07:54,808 --> 00:07:56,575
Including myself.
171
00:07:56,577 --> 00:07:58,877
In fact,
this is not the first time
172
00:07:58,879 --> 00:08:03,615
I have gone on a mission after
this legend, known as raphael.
173
00:08:03,617 --> 00:08:08,119
Back in 2016, a video of this
gargantuan swamp monster
174
00:08:08,121 --> 00:08:09,855
Circulated online,
175
00:08:09,857 --> 00:08:12,624
And its size and comparison
to an american alligator
176
00:08:12,626 --> 00:08:14,759
Appeared too big to be true.
177
00:08:14,761 --> 00:08:16,228
Oh! Oh!
178
00:08:16,230 --> 00:08:20,098
So alongside wildlife biologist
mario aldecoa,
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00:08:20,100 --> 00:08:22,100
I headed to the lone star state
180
00:08:22,102 --> 00:08:23,768
To determine if this turtle
was truly
181
00:08:23,770 --> 00:08:27,706
As big as the tall tales
made him out to be.
182
00:08:27,708 --> 00:08:31,276
Rumored to live just below
an easy accessible deck,
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00:08:31,278 --> 00:08:33,645
It wasn't long before
we spotted him,
184
00:08:33,647 --> 00:08:39,150
And raphael was every bit as big
as the rumors had promised.
185
00:08:39,152 --> 00:08:42,087
But as I prepared my first
attempt at a catch,
186
00:08:42,089 --> 00:08:45,023
Raphael recognized my presence
in the environment,
187
00:08:45,025 --> 00:08:50,328
Disappeared into the depths
and didn't show himself again.
188
00:08:50,330 --> 00:08:54,232
Without a catch, I wasn't
able to collect biometrics,
189
00:08:54,234 --> 00:08:56,201
So I left texas empty-handed
190
00:08:56,203 --> 00:09:00,472
And more determined than ever
to land this living legend.
191
00:09:00,474 --> 00:09:04,209
To help with my efforts, I'll be
teaming up with carl franklin
192
00:09:04,211 --> 00:09:07,679
And viviana ricardez
of texas turtles.
193
00:09:07,681 --> 00:09:09,214
This conservation group
194
00:09:09,216 --> 00:09:11,249
Specializes
in tracking the health
195
00:09:11,251 --> 00:09:13,618
And well-being
of the turtle populations
196
00:09:13,620 --> 00:09:15,420
Here in the lone star state.
197
00:09:15,422 --> 00:09:17,923
What's exciting is that
they have never studied
198
00:09:17,925 --> 00:09:20,959
This specific population
and like me,
199
00:09:20,961 --> 00:09:24,429
Are very interested
in a turtle the size of raphael.
200
00:09:24,431 --> 00:09:27,566
♪
201
00:09:27,568 --> 00:09:29,601
It's down in this water
where we have seen
202
00:09:29,603 --> 00:09:32,270
This legendary turtle
known as raphael.
203
00:09:32,272 --> 00:09:33,805
He could be world-record size.
204
00:09:33,807 --> 00:09:35,040
-He's a very unique turtle --
-mm-hmm.
205
00:09:35,042 --> 00:09:37,676
...And there's a process
for bringing him up.
206
00:09:37,678 --> 00:09:40,779
You knock with your boot
on the ground three times,
207
00:09:40,781 --> 00:09:44,249
And then, for some reason,
these turtles love biscuits.
208
00:09:44,251 --> 00:09:47,886
A single pebble into the water
just like that.
209
00:09:47,888 --> 00:09:49,187
You make a wish?
210
00:09:49,189 --> 00:09:50,422
I always make a wish
when I'm dropping pebbles
211
00:09:50,424 --> 00:09:52,157
Looking for giant turtles.
212
00:09:52,159 --> 00:09:55,193
Did you do the boot?
213
00:09:55,195 --> 00:09:58,863
So that sound resonates
down through this pipe,
214
00:09:58,865 --> 00:10:00,231
And then the turtles know that,
okay,
215
00:10:00,233 --> 00:10:05,370
There's somebody here,
probably with biscuits.
216
00:10:05,372 --> 00:10:07,539
-Fish like it.
-Come on.
217
00:10:07,541 --> 00:10:09,240
You guys are gonna think
I'm crazy.
218
00:10:09,242 --> 00:10:10,375
-Here is a turtle.
-Oh.
219
00:10:10,377 --> 00:10:11,443
Here it comes.
220
00:10:11,445 --> 00:10:12,444
Right here, right here,
right here.
221
00:10:12,446 --> 00:10:13,478
-Here is one now.
-Here he comes.
222
00:10:13,480 --> 00:10:14,546
-Look at that.
-Came right at the pole.
223
00:10:14,548 --> 00:10:16,081
Coyote:
Okay, that is not raphael.
224
00:10:16,083 --> 00:10:18,116
That is another alligator
snapping turtle.
225
00:10:18,118 --> 00:10:19,150
Viviana: But a very big one.
226
00:10:19,152 --> 00:10:20,919
So there are a number
of different
227
00:10:20,921 --> 00:10:22,954
Snapping turtles
in this body of water,
228
00:10:22,956 --> 00:10:25,056
And all the bodies
of water are connected,
229
00:10:25,058 --> 00:10:26,958
Which gives the turtles
the freedom to move
230
00:10:26,960 --> 00:10:29,394
In and out of any one
of these lakes that they choose,
231
00:10:29,396 --> 00:10:31,830
But the four turtles that
they often see here at the dock
232
00:10:31,832 --> 00:10:35,033
Are named famously
after the ninja turtles.
233
00:10:35,035 --> 00:10:37,669
I believe that that one
is leonardo,
234
00:10:37,671 --> 00:10:39,537
Still a big alligator
snapping turtle, right?
235
00:10:39,539 --> 00:10:41,706
Yeah, yeah.
236
00:10:41,708 --> 00:10:43,708
When raphael comes up,
237
00:10:43,710 --> 00:10:46,411
I'm not sure that he can
be caught in a hoop net
238
00:10:46,413 --> 00:10:47,946
Because of how big he is,
239
00:10:47,948 --> 00:10:49,381
And I'm thinking
what I might have to do
240
00:10:49,383 --> 00:10:52,584
Is actually jump from
that lower platform
241
00:10:52,586 --> 00:10:54,653
And be able
to catch the turtle.
242
00:10:54,655 --> 00:10:56,655
Viviana: [ laughs ]
243
00:10:56,657 --> 00:10:59,758
You don't think
that's completely crazy?
244
00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:01,860
-We didn't say that.
-Give it a shot.
245
00:11:01,862 --> 00:11:05,397
-Yeah. [ laughs ]
-well, let's do it.
246
00:11:05,399 --> 00:11:08,366
Coyote: With carl and viviana
onboard with the plan,
247
00:11:08,368 --> 00:11:11,736
We return to our cabin and find
yet another alligator
248
00:11:11,738 --> 00:11:15,173
Snapping turtle swimming just
beneath our lakeside deck.
249
00:11:15,175 --> 00:11:18,076
It's not raphael,
but as you can see,
250
00:11:18,078 --> 00:11:20,045
This is no small turtle.
251
00:11:20,047 --> 00:11:23,214
I'm so tempted to drop into
the water and get the turtle.
252
00:11:23,216 --> 00:11:24,449
Here comes the turtle.
253
00:11:24,451 --> 00:11:26,685
That is, like, an 80-pound
turtle right there.
254
00:11:26,687 --> 00:11:30,889
He's huge, swimming right
underneath the dock here.
255
00:11:30,891 --> 00:11:32,357
I took off my hat, my shirt.
256
00:11:32,359 --> 00:11:36,561
I'm half tempted to just jump in
the water and catch this turtle.
257
00:11:36,563 --> 00:11:38,496
It's only a few feet deep here.
258
00:11:38,498 --> 00:11:43,134
-Watch out, the gator.
-[ speaks indistinctly ]
259
00:11:43,136 --> 00:11:45,170
Right next to us.
260
00:11:45,172 --> 00:11:48,473
I don't see the turtle now.
261
00:11:48,475 --> 00:11:50,575
-Watch out. It's pretty bold.
-Okay. That's...
262
00:11:50,577 --> 00:11:51,710
Coyote: That's about as close as
263
00:11:51,712 --> 00:11:54,679
I think I want to get
to this alligator.
264
00:11:54,681 --> 00:11:59,317
Wow, look at that,
no fear whatsoever.
265
00:11:59,319 --> 00:12:00,852
That's -- I don't want
to get any closer.
266
00:12:00,854 --> 00:12:02,620
He could lunge up
right out of there.
267
00:12:02,622 --> 00:12:06,524
[ hissing ]
268
00:12:06,526 --> 00:12:07,859
If this alligator wasn't here,
269
00:12:07,861 --> 00:12:09,828
I would drop down into the water
and get the turtle.
270
00:12:09,830 --> 00:12:10,862
Whoa!
271
00:12:17,804 --> 00:12:19,137
If this alligator wasn't here,
272
00:12:19,139 --> 00:12:21,506
I would drop down into the water
and get the turtle.
273
00:12:21,508 --> 00:12:24,676
And you can see he's very
interested in me at the moment.
274
00:12:24,678 --> 00:12:27,946
It's not helping for catching
the snapping turtle.
275
00:12:27,948 --> 00:12:29,614
The biological land mines
that we're gonna be
276
00:12:29,616 --> 00:12:33,451
Facing in this location
are exactly this.
277
00:12:33,453 --> 00:12:35,220
Getting into the water
to catch alligator
278
00:12:35,222 --> 00:12:37,021
Snapping turtles
will put me right
279
00:12:37,023 --> 00:12:39,224
In the striking range
of american alligators.
280
00:12:39,226 --> 00:12:42,694
♪
281
00:12:42,696 --> 00:12:44,395
With turtles moving about,
282
00:12:44,397 --> 00:12:48,133
We decide to employ a catch
tactic known as hoop-netting.
283
00:12:48,135 --> 00:12:51,236
This is the safest way to catch
alligator snapping turtles,
284
00:12:51,238 --> 00:12:54,773
And this trap is designed
exactly as it sounds,
285
00:12:54,775 --> 00:12:58,843
A simple series of hoops
woven into a cover of netting.
286
00:12:58,845 --> 00:13:02,514
These traps are considered safe
because when a turtle is caught,
287
00:13:02,516 --> 00:13:05,183
It can easily access
the surface to breathe.
288
00:13:05,185 --> 00:13:07,485
Remember, the well-being
of the turtle
289
00:13:07,487 --> 00:13:09,087
Is our first priority.
290
00:13:09,089 --> 00:13:12,791
When it comes to raphael,
he may be too big for the nets,
291
00:13:12,793 --> 00:13:14,092
But it's worth a shot,
292
00:13:14,094 --> 00:13:16,060
So with a series of them
in place,
293
00:13:16,062 --> 00:13:19,697
All we have to do is wait.
294
00:13:19,699 --> 00:13:22,200
♪
295
00:13:22,202 --> 00:13:24,536
I arrive at the deck
the next morning.
296
00:13:24,538 --> 00:13:26,638
Sunlight spilling
across the water,
297
00:13:26,640 --> 00:13:28,573
I peer down into the abyss,
298
00:13:28,575 --> 00:13:31,042
Hoping to see
the shadow of a giant,
299
00:13:31,044 --> 00:13:32,644
And much to my dismay,
300
00:13:32,646 --> 00:13:36,147
The only parties interested
in my biscuits are the bluegill.
301
00:13:36,149 --> 00:13:42,754
♪
302
00:13:42,756 --> 00:13:45,123
With no signs of the legend
at the deck,
303
00:13:45,125 --> 00:13:48,326
Mario and I check the nets
we set in surrounding lakes,
304
00:13:48,328 --> 00:13:50,061
And it quickly becomes clear
305
00:13:50,063 --> 00:13:52,964
That these waters
are teeming with predators.
306
00:13:52,966 --> 00:14:01,673
♪
307
00:14:01,675 --> 00:14:03,241
Okay, so it's right back
in this corner.
308
00:14:03,243 --> 00:14:05,410
-See the net?
-Yeah.
309
00:14:05,412 --> 00:14:07,378
Okay, so bring us right up
on the left side of the trap.
310
00:14:07,380 --> 00:14:08,513
Okay.
311
00:14:08,515 --> 00:14:11,883
♪
312
00:14:11,885 --> 00:14:16,154
The net's all mangled.
313
00:14:16,156 --> 00:14:18,923
I'm gonna pull
the net up right --
314
00:14:18,925 --> 00:14:22,727
Here we go.
Coming up, coming up.
315
00:14:22,729 --> 00:14:23,795
-Oh!
-There it goes.
316
00:14:23,797 --> 00:14:25,029
There's an alligator
in the trap.
317
00:14:25,031 --> 00:14:27,498
What do you think,
about 5 1/2, 6 feet, right?
318
00:14:27,500 --> 00:14:29,434
Yeah, it's about a 4 1/2,
5-footer.
319
00:14:29,436 --> 00:14:30,935
-Okay.
-I'm gonna let it back down.
320
00:14:30,937 --> 00:14:33,504
Okay.
321
00:14:33,506 --> 00:14:36,040
Oh, he wants to get out.
322
00:14:36,042 --> 00:14:39,177
I think if I get out, just
anchor the boat like this --
323
00:14:39,179 --> 00:14:40,645
Okay.
324
00:14:40,647 --> 00:14:41,913
...I'm gonna untie the net,
see if I can swing it around
325
00:14:41,915 --> 00:14:44,282
And just get him to swim out
the back side of it.
326
00:14:44,284 --> 00:14:45,783
That's...
[ speaks indistinctly ]
327
00:14:45,785 --> 00:14:53,024
♪
328
00:14:53,026 --> 00:14:54,893
So the net is free.
329
00:14:54,895 --> 00:14:57,095
What I'm gonna do
is get to that spot,
330
00:14:57,097 --> 00:14:58,463
Turn the net around
331
00:14:58,465 --> 00:15:00,064
And see if the alligator
will go straight out of it.
332
00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:01,599
Okay.
333
00:15:01,601 --> 00:15:06,504
♪
334
00:15:06,506 --> 00:15:09,641
Is he out? There he goes.
335
00:15:09,643 --> 00:15:12,477
Just like that, he darted
right out the front.
336
00:15:12,479 --> 00:15:14,812
Well, we got
the alligator part down.
337
00:15:14,814 --> 00:15:15,880
Right.
338
00:15:15,882 --> 00:15:16,881
Now we just need
the snapping-turtle part
339
00:15:16,883 --> 00:15:17,949
To go with it.
340
00:15:17,951 --> 00:15:24,756
♪
341
00:15:24,758 --> 00:15:26,357
So while the nets are out,
342
00:15:26,359 --> 00:15:28,626
They're hopefully catching
some huge turtles
343
00:15:28,628 --> 00:15:30,194
And maybe even raphael.
344
00:15:30,196 --> 00:15:31,763
I want to explore
this environment at night
345
00:15:31,765 --> 00:15:35,400
To determine what sort of
prey items are out moving about.
346
00:15:35,402 --> 00:15:36,768
If we can see how healthy
the ecosystem is
347
00:15:36,770 --> 00:15:38,036
Based on the prey,
348
00:15:38,038 --> 00:15:40,071
It will help us determine
why these turtles
349
00:15:40,073 --> 00:15:42,006
Are growing
to such epic proportions.
350
00:15:42,008 --> 00:15:48,246
♪
351
00:15:48,248 --> 00:15:54,152
♪
352
00:15:54,154 --> 00:15:58,022
I heard some movement over here
in the water.
353
00:15:58,024 --> 00:16:00,091
Holy mackerel,
big frog right there.
354
00:16:00,093 --> 00:16:02,493
Oh, there he goes.
355
00:16:02,495 --> 00:16:04,228
Trying to see if I can see him.
356
00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:06,531
I think he's right down
under this clump.
357
00:16:06,533 --> 00:16:08,633
-All right, I'm going for it.
-Yep.
358
00:16:08,635 --> 00:16:13,738
♪
359
00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:15,473
-All right.
-You got it.
360
00:16:15,475 --> 00:16:18,109
-Got it.
-I got him.
361
00:16:18,111 --> 00:16:21,546
He is enormous.
362
00:16:21,548 --> 00:16:26,217
Look at the size of that.
363
00:16:26,219 --> 00:16:29,153
They say that everything
is bigger in texas,
364
00:16:29,155 --> 00:16:32,523
And this bullfrog
definitely proves that.
365
00:16:32,525 --> 00:16:35,827
Frogs are typically looked
at as prey items.
366
00:16:35,829 --> 00:16:38,396
Believe it or not,
a bullfrog of this size
367
00:16:38,398 --> 00:16:42,667
Is actually capable of eating
baby alligator snapping turtles.
368
00:16:42,669 --> 00:16:44,936
Keep in mind when these turtles
come out of the egg,
369
00:16:44,938 --> 00:16:47,972
They're only about the size
of a 50-cent piece,
370
00:16:47,974 --> 00:16:50,675
So a small turtle like that
would actually make
371
00:16:50,677 --> 00:16:54,379
A very scrumptious meal
for a frog of this magnitude.
372
00:16:54,381 --> 00:16:56,414
I'm gonna spin it around
373
00:16:56,416 --> 00:16:59,617
So you can see the back of its
body, beautiful coloration,
374
00:16:59,619 --> 00:17:02,587
Perfectly camouflaged
into the environment,
375
00:17:02,589 --> 00:17:05,256
And all of the muscle
in this frog exists
376
00:17:05,258 --> 00:17:10,995
Right there in those hind limbs,
pure muscle, pure power.
377
00:17:10,997 --> 00:17:16,034
That is one of the biggest
bullfrogs I have ever seen.
378
00:17:16,036 --> 00:17:18,169
Well, if there's one thing
that I can say,
379
00:17:18,171 --> 00:17:20,972
It's that this ecosystem
is incredibly healthy,
380
00:17:20,974 --> 00:17:22,807
And if the frogs
are getting this big,
381
00:17:22,809 --> 00:17:24,609
Just imagine how big
the alligator
382
00:17:24,611 --> 00:17:26,277
Snapping turtles are getting.
383
00:17:26,279 --> 00:17:27,378
All right,
let's let this guy back off
384
00:17:27,380 --> 00:17:29,614
Into the wild
so we can keep hunting.
385
00:17:29,616 --> 00:17:34,886
♪
386
00:17:34,888 --> 00:17:37,555
He even said goodbye.
How cool is that?
387
00:17:37,557 --> 00:17:44,629
♪
388
00:17:44,631 --> 00:17:47,065
This isn't right.
I don't know what this is.
389
00:17:47,067 --> 00:17:49,133
This could be anything,
catfish.
390
00:17:49,135 --> 00:17:51,169
It could be an alien.
Here, I'm gonna catch it.
391
00:17:51,171 --> 00:17:59,911
♪
392
00:17:59,913 --> 00:18:01,045
-I got it.
-Got it?
393
00:18:01,047 --> 00:18:02,480
-I got it!
-Nice!
394
00:18:02,482 --> 00:18:06,184
Look at this! Look at this!
Crazy!
395
00:18:13,159 --> 00:18:14,992
This isn't right.
I don't know what this is.
396
00:18:14,994 --> 00:18:21,099
♪
397
00:18:21,101 --> 00:18:24,469
-Got it?
-I got it!
398
00:18:24,471 --> 00:18:27,705
Look at this! Look at this!
Crazy!
399
00:18:27,707 --> 00:18:29,974
This is an amphiuma,
incredibly hard to hold onto.
400
00:18:29,976 --> 00:18:31,976
Oh, oh, I'm gonna lose it.
Hold on.
401
00:18:31,978 --> 00:18:34,178
There, let it --
just let it slither around.
402
00:18:34,180 --> 00:18:35,446
They can stay out of water.
403
00:18:35,448 --> 00:18:38,483
They can breathe air, absolutely
impossible to hold onto.
404
00:18:38,485 --> 00:18:40,251
Look at that.
405
00:18:40,253 --> 00:18:44,555
It'll be better if I keep it
in the net and just like this.
406
00:18:44,557 --> 00:18:48,092
See if you can get
a good look at it.
407
00:18:48,094 --> 00:18:51,929
This is something that I did
not expect to come across.
408
00:18:51,931 --> 00:18:53,464
These are incredibly rare,
409
00:18:53,466 --> 00:18:56,801
And you very seldom see
these creatures
410
00:18:56,803 --> 00:18:59,203
Because they're so cryptic,
411
00:18:59,205 --> 00:19:01,272
And they stay buried down
in the mud during the day
412
00:19:01,274 --> 00:19:03,307
And only come out
at night to hunt.
413
00:19:03,309 --> 00:19:08,513
Let me see if I can bring
its little nose up for us here.
414
00:19:08,515 --> 00:19:11,449
Now they are capable of giving
a rather painful bite,
415
00:19:11,451 --> 00:19:15,052
So I do want to be careful,
but this is not a venomous,
416
00:19:15,054 --> 00:19:18,456
Not a poisonous species,
and if -- whoa.
417
00:19:18,458 --> 00:19:20,458
As soon as it feels like
it's being handled,
418
00:19:20,460 --> 00:19:22,593
It wants to immediately
bolt off.
419
00:19:22,595 --> 00:19:26,197
Look at all that slime covering
my fingers right now.
420
00:19:26,199 --> 00:19:28,833
You would think this is an eel
or a snake,
421
00:19:28,835 --> 00:19:31,435
But it is in fact an amphibian.
422
00:19:31,437 --> 00:19:34,972
It is a salamander species,
one of the largest salamanders
423
00:19:34,974 --> 00:19:38,042
That you will find here
in the united states.
424
00:19:38,044 --> 00:19:40,711
They do have small,
little vestigial legs.
425
00:19:40,713 --> 00:19:42,914
You see those little,
tiny legs?
426
00:19:42,916 --> 00:19:44,882
And they have little,
tiny eyes up front
427
00:19:44,884 --> 00:19:47,818
That are able to sense light
and the lateral line
428
00:19:47,820 --> 00:19:50,354
That runs down
the entire length of the body
429
00:19:50,356 --> 00:19:52,356
That helps them feel vibrations
430
00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:56,260
And sense chemicals
within the environment.
431
00:19:56,262 --> 00:19:59,530
Finding a bizarre creature
like an amphiuma
432
00:19:59,532 --> 00:20:01,232
Means that this environment
433
00:20:01,234 --> 00:20:05,703
Is incredibly healthy,
pristine environment.
434
00:20:05,705 --> 00:20:07,939
If something like this can
survive here,
435
00:20:07,941 --> 00:20:09,440
And animal that
is very susceptible
436
00:20:09,442 --> 00:20:12,510
To any sort of pollutants
or chemicals in the environment,
437
00:20:12,512 --> 00:20:15,980
It means that all of the animals
that live here
438
00:20:15,982 --> 00:20:18,683
Are thriving beyond belief.
439
00:20:18,685 --> 00:20:19,817
Okay.
440
00:20:19,819 --> 00:20:20,952
Back into the water
with this one.
441
00:20:20,954 --> 00:20:29,627
♪
442
00:20:29,629 --> 00:20:30,728
That's incredible.
443
00:20:30,730 --> 00:20:32,663
You have no idea how rare
that animal is.
444
00:20:32,665 --> 00:20:35,199
For 37 years of exploring,
only the second time
445
00:20:35,201 --> 00:20:37,535
I've ever seen
one of those amphibians.
446
00:20:37,537 --> 00:20:43,507
This swamp is like a wellspring
of species, so cool.
447
00:20:43,509 --> 00:20:45,443
I'm not sure we can do better
than that.
448
00:20:45,445 --> 00:20:55,453
♪
449
00:20:55,455 --> 00:20:59,724
The next day, there are still
no signs of raphael,
450
00:20:59,726 --> 00:21:02,860
So once again,
we set out to check the nets.
451
00:21:02,862 --> 00:21:08,866
♪
452
00:21:08,868 --> 00:21:14,872
♪
453
00:21:14,874 --> 00:21:19,110
Nothing, totally empty.
454
00:21:19,112 --> 00:21:20,611
Stunk.
455
00:21:20,613 --> 00:21:23,681
Nothing in that net.
All right.
456
00:21:23,683 --> 00:21:26,217
Guess there's no turtles
in this cove.
457
00:21:26,219 --> 00:21:29,053
Let's head up this direction,
the furthest trap.
458
00:21:29,055 --> 00:21:30,354
This one is gonna be
the lucky one.
459
00:21:30,356 --> 00:21:31,656
I'm telling you.
460
00:21:31,658 --> 00:21:37,461
♪
461
00:21:37,463 --> 00:21:39,964
There's something in the net.
The net is moving.
462
00:21:39,966 --> 00:21:43,567
♪
463
00:21:43,569 --> 00:21:46,637
Yes, alligator snapping turtle,
look at that!
464
00:21:46,639 --> 00:21:48,072
Sweet!
465
00:21:48,074 --> 00:21:49,940
Wow, it's a heavy turtle,
and look at that.
466
00:21:49,942 --> 00:21:55,313
It actually got into the bait
canister and had itself a meal.
467
00:21:55,315 --> 00:21:58,883
Okay, here, let's do this.
Let me get the net off of here.
468
00:21:58,885 --> 00:22:03,120
Actually just gonna cut that
right off of there.
469
00:22:03,122 --> 00:22:06,490
Okay, I can stand here,
which is good.
470
00:22:06,492 --> 00:22:10,094
And, oh, there it is,
right next to my leg.
471
00:22:10,096 --> 00:22:11,128
Oh, it's starting to move.
472
00:22:11,130 --> 00:22:12,730
Oh, stay, stay, stay.
All right.
473
00:22:12,732 --> 00:22:16,901
I'm just gonna get it up
and onto the kayak.
474
00:22:16,903 --> 00:22:20,671
Oh, I want to get us back in
a controlled situation
475
00:22:20,673 --> 00:22:23,641
Because if that turtle decides
that it's going to
476
00:22:23,643 --> 00:22:25,943
Climb up and out of this kayak,
477
00:22:25,945 --> 00:22:31,182
I'm going into
the deep water with it.
478
00:22:31,184 --> 00:22:33,584
This is gonna be a dangerous
little balancing act.
479
00:22:33,586 --> 00:22:35,252
Okay, stay turtle. Stay.
480
00:22:35,254 --> 00:22:37,455
Okay, let's move quick.
Let's get it to shore.
481
00:22:37,457 --> 00:22:39,523
This is definitely a good turtle
to take a look at.
482
00:22:39,525 --> 00:22:44,995
♪
483
00:22:44,997 --> 00:22:47,565
There it is,
484
00:22:47,567 --> 00:22:50,401
The alligator snapping turtle.
485
00:22:50,403 --> 00:22:53,270
When comparing this reptile
to the common snapping turtle,
486
00:22:53,272 --> 00:22:55,439
There are quite a few
distinct differences,
487
00:22:55,441 --> 00:22:59,043
And the first thing you'll
notice is the size of that head.
488
00:22:59,045 --> 00:23:01,912
This alligator snapping
turtle's head dwarfs the head
489
00:23:01,914 --> 00:23:04,615
Of the 50-pound common snapping
turtle that we saw in ohio,
490
00:23:04,617 --> 00:23:06,417
And one thing that makes them
really distinct
491
00:23:06,419 --> 00:23:08,953
Is the spread of those jaws.
492
00:23:08,955 --> 00:23:11,889
Look how wide this turtle
can open its mouth,
493
00:23:11,891 --> 00:23:14,158
And the first thing
you may notice is
494
00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:18,028
That little wormlike appendage
on the basin of the lower jaw.
495
00:23:18,030 --> 00:23:19,230
Can you see that?
496
00:23:19,232 --> 00:23:21,799
These turtles specialize
in ambush predation,
497
00:23:21,801 --> 00:23:24,735
Which means they will lay
on the basin of a body of water
498
00:23:24,737 --> 00:23:28,406
With their mouth open and wiggle
that tiny wormlike appendage,
499
00:23:28,408 --> 00:23:30,975
Obviously specializing
in eating fish.
500
00:23:30,977 --> 00:23:32,209
Fish eat worms.
501
00:23:32,211 --> 00:23:35,513
A fish sees that tongue,
swims close to those jaws,
502
00:23:35,515 --> 00:23:39,884
And the turtle has a meal.
503
00:23:39,886 --> 00:23:42,720
Pound for pound, it has
one of the most powerful bites
504
00:23:42,722 --> 00:23:44,121
In the reptile kingdom.
505
00:23:44,123 --> 00:23:47,725
A turtle of this size
could easily take off a finger,
506
00:23:47,727 --> 00:23:50,161
So I have to be
as careful as possible.
507
00:23:50,163 --> 00:23:52,863
Look at those front claws,
absolutely massive.
508
00:23:52,865 --> 00:23:55,032
Now they use the claws to move
509
00:23:55,034 --> 00:23:56,333
Themselves through
the environment,
510
00:23:56,335 --> 00:23:58,169
And while they're
primarily ambush predators,
511
00:23:58,171 --> 00:24:01,305
Alligator snapping turtles are
known to sometimes be nomadic,
512
00:24:01,307 --> 00:24:03,974
Moving from spot to spot to look
for a different food source.
513
00:24:03,976 --> 00:24:06,110
When it comes to food,
they're opportunistic.
514
00:24:06,112 --> 00:24:09,680
Fish, frogs, snakes,
even small birds like ducks
515
00:24:09,682 --> 00:24:14,885
And egrets can make fair prey
for a turtle like this.
516
00:24:14,887 --> 00:24:17,855
But the one thing that makes
this turtle very unique
517
00:24:17,857 --> 00:24:20,090
As compared to
its smaller cousin,
518
00:24:20,092 --> 00:24:21,592
The common snapping turtle,
519
00:24:21,594 --> 00:24:25,095
Are those ridges that run down
the length of the carapace.
520
00:24:25,097 --> 00:24:26,330
This is what gives them
521
00:24:26,332 --> 00:24:27,998
The name
alligator snapping turtle
522
00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:31,001
Because it almost looks like
the back of an alligator,
523
00:24:31,003 --> 00:24:32,736
And these actually
have function.
524
00:24:32,738 --> 00:24:34,738
During big hurricanes,
these turtles will wedge
525
00:24:34,740 --> 00:24:36,507
Themselves up underneath logs,
526
00:24:36,509 --> 00:24:38,642
And those ridges
will lock them into place,
527
00:24:38,644 --> 00:24:40,978
So huge changes in water level
528
00:24:40,980 --> 00:24:43,948
And flow will not
even disturb these turtles.
529
00:24:43,950 --> 00:24:46,150
They'll just hunker down,
ride out the storm,
530
00:24:46,152 --> 00:24:47,551
And they continue about hunting
531
00:24:47,553 --> 00:24:51,021
Just like they would
on any average day.
532
00:24:51,023 --> 00:24:54,291
When it comes to
a world record-size turtle,
533
00:24:54,293 --> 00:24:56,961
This one certainly is not
going to break any records.
534
00:24:56,963 --> 00:25:00,664
The largest alligator snapping
turtle that we know of weighed
535
00:25:00,666 --> 00:25:02,633
Just around 250 pounds.
536
00:25:02,635 --> 00:25:04,568
That's a turtle
that was in captivity.
537
00:25:04,570 --> 00:25:09,273
Roughly about 175 is the record
for a wild-caught turtle.
538
00:25:09,275 --> 00:25:11,509
Is this raphael?
Absolutely not.
539
00:25:11,511 --> 00:25:15,579
Raphael is considerably bigger
than what this turtle is.
540
00:25:15,581 --> 00:25:17,348
All right,
let's bring in carl and viviana,
541
00:25:17,350 --> 00:25:18,549
Collect the biometrics,
542
00:25:18,551 --> 00:25:21,085
And then get this turtle
back off into the wild.
543
00:25:21,087 --> 00:25:26,724
♪
544
00:25:26,726 --> 00:25:28,292
I've officially named it
carl jr.
545
00:25:28,294 --> 00:25:30,394
After you, carl.
Why don't you guys walk us
546
00:25:30,396 --> 00:25:34,131
Through exactly what elements
you need for your research?
547
00:25:34,133 --> 00:25:36,667
Well, the basic measurements
on the turtle
548
00:25:36,669 --> 00:25:39,537
And the weight of the animal.
-Of course.
549
00:25:39,539 --> 00:25:41,038
We're also going to microchip
this turtle as well.
550
00:25:41,040 --> 00:25:42,806
-That's right. That's right.
-Right.
551
00:25:42,808 --> 00:25:44,108
I'll be putting in a pit tag,
552
00:25:44,110 --> 00:25:45,976
Or a passive integrated
transponder,
553
00:25:45,978 --> 00:25:49,280
And it has an id number
associated with each pit tag.
554
00:25:49,282 --> 00:25:51,782
And whenever we come back
or other scientists
555
00:25:51,784 --> 00:25:54,084
Come back to check
the population,
556
00:25:54,086 --> 00:25:57,254
You can track growth and health
an assessment on them.
557
00:25:57,256 --> 00:26:00,991
Cool. Okay.
Let's start collecting the data.
558
00:26:00,993 --> 00:26:03,627
For carl and viviana,
collecting biometrics
559
00:26:03,629 --> 00:26:06,263
Is crucial for tracking
the health of a turtle.
560
00:26:06,265 --> 00:26:08,832
First, we measure the length
and width
561
00:26:08,834 --> 00:26:12,703
Of the turtle's carapace,
then width of its head,
562
00:26:12,705 --> 00:26:16,574
And last, it's marked
with a subdermal pit tag.
563
00:26:16,576 --> 00:26:20,277
This unique identification
is the same exact kind of tag
564
00:26:20,279 --> 00:26:22,479
That is used for dogs and cats
565
00:26:22,481 --> 00:26:24,248
And will accurately
allow them to id
566
00:26:24,250 --> 00:26:28,953
This turtle if it is
ever encountered again.
567
00:26:28,955 --> 00:26:30,721
-You want to get in the center?
-Yep.
568
00:26:30,723 --> 00:26:32,923
-Yeah.
-Going up.
569
00:26:32,925 --> 00:26:34,892
Stay.
570
00:26:34,894 --> 00:26:35,993
43.1.
571
00:26:35,995 --> 00:26:37,661
43.1.
572
00:26:37,663 --> 00:26:38,896
Nice. That's good.
573
00:26:38,898 --> 00:26:41,031
That's a very impressive turtle
right there.
574
00:26:41,033 --> 00:26:43,601
So that's it.
We have all the biometrics.
575
00:26:43,603 --> 00:26:46,403
Let's get this one back off
into the lake
576
00:26:46,405 --> 00:26:48,305
And continue searching
for the legend himself.
577
00:26:48,307 --> 00:26:49,707
-All right.
-Sound good?
578
00:26:49,709 --> 00:26:52,409
All right, come on, carl jr.
Back into the lake with you.
579
00:26:52,411 --> 00:27:01,185
♪
580
00:27:01,187 --> 00:27:05,255
Several days have now gone by
and still no sign
581
00:27:05,257 --> 00:27:08,492
Of the legendary turtle
known as raphael.
582
00:27:08,494 --> 00:27:10,127
The hoop nets haven't
caught him,
583
00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:13,497
So it's time
we try a new tactic.
584
00:27:13,499 --> 00:27:16,233
I think maybe what we should do
now is get a camera underwater
585
00:27:16,235 --> 00:27:19,403
And see just what this structure
is like up underneath the dock.
586
00:27:19,405 --> 00:27:20,904
I get a chance for a jump.
587
00:27:20,906 --> 00:27:24,675
I need to know what's down there
before I get in the water.
588
00:27:24,677 --> 00:27:29,413
So this futuristic-looking
device is an underwater drone,
589
00:27:29,415 --> 00:27:33,050
And this is trent,
camera operator and specialist
590
00:27:33,052 --> 00:27:34,718
When it comes
to cameras like this.
591
00:27:34,720 --> 00:27:35,953
What we're gonna do
with this tool
592
00:27:35,955 --> 00:27:38,088
Is actually get it
beneath the surface to see,
593
00:27:38,090 --> 00:27:40,958
First of all, if raphael is
down there and, second of all,
594
00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:43,060
Whether or not there are
obstacles beneath the surface.
595
00:27:43,062 --> 00:27:45,195
The water is dark,
and I can't actually see
596
00:27:45,197 --> 00:27:46,997
More than a couple inches
beneath the surface.
597
00:27:46,999 --> 00:27:47,998
If I'm going to jump
into the water
598
00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:49,433
After this huge turtle,
599
00:27:49,435 --> 00:27:51,135
I want to know what kind
of debris is down there.
600
00:27:51,137 --> 00:27:53,771
So, trent, how deep can
this thing actually go?
601
00:27:53,773 --> 00:27:55,939
This thing can go around
100 meters deep,
602
00:27:55,941 --> 00:27:59,076
Which is way deeper than
we're actually gonna be here,
603
00:27:59,078 --> 00:28:00,310
But with the lights
on the front here,
604
00:28:00,312 --> 00:28:01,812
They'll allow us
to see hopefully
605
00:28:01,814 --> 00:28:03,614
What kind of snapping turtles
we have down there --
606
00:28:03,616 --> 00:28:04,882
Okay.
607
00:28:04,884 --> 00:28:06,350
...And maybe even other
wildlife such as alligators
608
00:28:06,352 --> 00:28:08,819
Or even the softshell turtles,
which also live in this area.
609
00:28:08,821 --> 00:28:10,320
Cool.
610
00:28:10,322 --> 00:28:11,722
Well, there's definitely some
turtles already swimming around,
611
00:28:11,724 --> 00:28:13,123
So I say we get this thing in
the water
612
00:28:13,125 --> 00:28:14,725
And see if we can capture.
-Yeah, definitely.
613
00:28:14,727 --> 00:28:18,762
Let's do it.
614
00:28:18,764 --> 00:28:19,897
Okay, we are rolling.
615
00:28:19,899 --> 00:28:24,702
Yeah. Good, good, good.
616
00:28:24,704 --> 00:28:26,103
That is very dizzying.
617
00:28:26,105 --> 00:28:28,605
Feel like we're going down
and into the abyss.
618
00:28:28,607 --> 00:28:38,615
♪
619
00:28:38,617 --> 00:28:43,520
I see fish.
620
00:28:43,522 --> 00:28:47,157
That's definitely an alligator.
621
00:28:47,159 --> 00:28:49,193
I'm gonna go down
a little bit deeper.
622
00:28:49,195 --> 00:28:55,265
♪
623
00:28:55,267 --> 00:28:56,500
You see the turtle?
624
00:28:56,502 --> 00:28:58,869
Yes, I can see the back
of its carapace.
625
00:28:58,871 --> 00:29:02,539
That is the biggest alligator
snapping turtle I've ever seen.
626
00:29:02,541 --> 00:29:04,007
It's like
the loch ness monster.
627
00:29:04,009 --> 00:29:06,744
This is unreal.
628
00:29:06,746 --> 00:29:08,946
Okay.
Drop just a little bit.
629
00:29:08,948 --> 00:29:10,247
There he is!
There he is!
630
00:29:10,249 --> 00:29:11,949
That's him. That's raphael.
631
00:29:11,951 --> 00:29:14,685
That's got to be raphael.
632
00:29:14,687 --> 00:29:17,121
Okay, try to drop the camera
down a little bit.
633
00:29:17,123 --> 00:29:19,890
I want to try to get an idea
of just how big.
634
00:29:19,892 --> 00:29:21,925
Wow. Okay.
Now I can see its tail.
635
00:29:21,927 --> 00:29:23,560
Drop down a little deeper,
little deeper,
636
00:29:23,562 --> 00:29:25,662
And there's the tail.
Look at that.
637
00:29:25,664 --> 00:29:27,164
He's actually using the tail
638
00:29:27,166 --> 00:29:29,099
To wrap around the side
of the pole.
639
00:29:29,101 --> 00:29:30,400
I don't know that an alligator
snapping turtle
640
00:29:30,402 --> 00:29:33,303
Has ever been seen using
this prehensile nature before,
641
00:29:33,305 --> 00:29:36,907
-Not one of this size.
-Incredible.
642
00:29:36,909 --> 00:29:39,243
Coyote: As hatchlings,
baby snapping turtles
643
00:29:39,245 --> 00:29:41,812
Will use their tail
in a prehensile manner,
644
00:29:41,814 --> 00:29:43,280
Meaning they use it to grab
645
00:29:43,282 --> 00:29:46,550
And balance
on structures underwater,
646
00:29:46,552 --> 00:29:50,187
But this behavior has never
been documented in adults,
647
00:29:50,189 --> 00:29:53,090
And the underwater drone
just captured the first
648
00:29:53,092 --> 00:29:56,260
Documented case of an adult
alligator snapping turtle
649
00:29:56,262 --> 00:29:59,196
Using its tail
in a prehensile manner.
650
00:29:59,198 --> 00:30:02,566
This was a true discovery.
651
00:30:02,568 --> 00:30:03,801
And there's its face.
652
00:30:03,803 --> 00:30:05,402
There's the face right there,
the back of the head.
653
00:30:05,404 --> 00:30:07,171
It's putting its face
right toward the camera.
654
00:30:07,173 --> 00:30:08,438
Oh, he's biting at the camera!
655
00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:10,841
This is crazy.
Look at this behavior.
656
00:30:10,843 --> 00:30:13,310
It's going right at the camera.
There we go.
657
00:30:13,312 --> 00:30:14,778
There we go.
He's dropping down.
658
00:30:14,780 --> 00:30:18,615
He just dropped back
down into the abyss.
659
00:30:18,617 --> 00:30:21,451
Raphael has officially
been spotted.
660
00:30:21,453 --> 00:30:23,620
Wow. Okay. Well, that's it.
661
00:30:23,622 --> 00:30:26,089
Let's bring it back in
and get ready to catch him.
662
00:30:26,091 --> 00:30:35,432
♪
663
00:30:35,434 --> 00:30:44,775
♪
664
00:30:44,777 --> 00:30:53,784
♪
665
00:30:53,786 --> 00:30:57,187
♪
666
00:30:57,189 --> 00:30:59,223
Go.
667
00:30:59,225 --> 00:31:08,632
♪
668
00:31:08,634 --> 00:31:14,371
♪
669
00:31:21,113 --> 00:31:30,320
♪
670
00:31:30,322 --> 00:31:31,955
♪
671
00:31:31,957 --> 00:31:34,258
Go.
672
00:31:34,260 --> 00:31:43,500
♪
673
00:31:43,502 --> 00:31:52,509
♪
674
00:31:52,511 --> 00:31:53,911
You got him?
675
00:31:53,913 --> 00:31:55,746
I got him! I got him!
676
00:31:55,748 --> 00:31:56,880
What do you need?
677
00:31:56,882 --> 00:31:58,382
-You got him.
-I got him!
678
00:31:58,384 --> 00:31:59,783
Holy mackerel, I got him!
679
00:31:59,785 --> 00:32:07,457
♪
680
00:32:07,459 --> 00:32:14,965
♪
681
00:32:14,967 --> 00:32:17,301
Hold on! Hold on!
He's pulling me back!
682
00:32:17,303 --> 00:32:18,969
I got him!
I got to push right here.
683
00:32:18,971 --> 00:32:20,404
Yep.
684
00:32:20,406 --> 00:32:21,505
We need to get me out of here
as fast as possible, though.
685
00:32:21,507 --> 00:32:23,707
All right.
Do you want to go this way?
686
00:32:23,709 --> 00:32:26,643
Cannot get my fingers
in the mouth of that turtle.
687
00:32:26,645 --> 00:32:29,379
-Hold on. Hold on.
-He's fighting me.
688
00:32:29,381 --> 00:32:32,950
I hope please no alligators
come behind me.
689
00:32:32,952 --> 00:32:35,852
[ groans ]
690
00:32:35,854 --> 00:32:38,989
[ breathing heavily ]
691
00:32:38,991 --> 00:32:41,758
-There you go. [ laughs ]
-whoo!
692
00:32:41,760 --> 00:32:44,428
The turtle is on land!
693
00:32:44,430 --> 00:32:46,763
That is the biggest alligator
snapping turtle,
694
00:32:46,765 --> 00:32:51,168
Biggest turtle bar
none that I have ever caught.
695
00:32:51,170 --> 00:32:53,503
Challenge number one
was catching the turtle.
696
00:32:53,505 --> 00:32:54,638
The second part
of the challenge is,
697
00:32:54,640 --> 00:32:56,807
How do you get it into a kayak
to get it
698
00:32:56,809 --> 00:32:59,042
In a controlled setting.
-Okay.
699
00:32:59,044 --> 00:33:00,544
Coyote: The embankment is far
too steep for us
700
00:33:00,546 --> 00:33:02,312
To keep control of the turtle,
701
00:33:02,314 --> 00:33:04,281
And the level of danger
we now face
702
00:33:04,283 --> 00:33:07,818
Is not worth the risk
for ourselves or raphael.
703
00:33:07,820 --> 00:33:09,353
If one of us is bitten,
704
00:33:09,355 --> 00:33:11,154
The bone-crushing power
in his jaws
705
00:33:11,156 --> 00:33:13,390
Could easily remove a hand,
706
00:33:13,392 --> 00:33:15,125
So we carefully hoist
the giant turtle
707
00:33:15,127 --> 00:33:18,061
Onto a kayak and strap him in.
708
00:33:18,063 --> 00:33:20,697
Now the challenge will be
paddling across the lake
709
00:33:20,699 --> 00:33:23,367
To a controlled setting
where we can find out
710
00:33:23,369 --> 00:33:26,303
If he will set
a new world record.
711
00:33:26,305 --> 00:33:28,772
Oftentimes putting a blindfold
over an animal's eyes
712
00:33:28,774 --> 00:33:30,374
Will help keep it calm,
713
00:33:30,376 --> 00:33:33,910
So we're gonna use my bandana
to cover up the turtle's head.
714
00:33:33,912 --> 00:33:35,779
At least somewhere
on the water and moving,
715
00:33:35,781 --> 00:33:37,147
He won't try to
launch off of here.
716
00:33:37,149 --> 00:33:39,182
-Ready?
-Yeah.
717
00:33:39,184 --> 00:33:40,817
Easy, easy.
718
00:33:40,819 --> 00:33:44,454
♪
719
00:33:44,456 --> 00:33:46,590
This is the most crucial point.
All right.
720
00:33:46,592 --> 00:33:48,725
I'm gonna go, try to go
as quick as I can.
721
00:33:48,727 --> 00:33:49,860
This is the most
dangerous part,
722
00:33:49,862 --> 00:33:52,329
Getting the turtle
now over to shore.
723
00:33:52,331 --> 00:33:54,698
He's secured inside
of the kayak.
724
00:33:54,700 --> 00:34:01,805
♪
725
00:34:01,807 --> 00:34:09,212
♪
726
00:34:09,214 --> 00:34:12,549
You could extend the oar.
Extend the oar.
727
00:34:12,551 --> 00:34:13,617
Careful because it gets deep.
728
00:34:13,619 --> 00:34:15,652
-Yep.
-You're gonna sink.
729
00:34:15,654 --> 00:34:18,655
♪
730
00:34:26,165 --> 00:34:27,264
We can't wait.
731
00:34:27,266 --> 00:34:28,432
We're gonna lose
the turtle if we wait.
732
00:34:28,434 --> 00:34:30,200
You could extend the oar.
Extend the oar.
733
00:34:30,202 --> 00:34:31,268
-Careful because it gets deep.
-Yep.
734
00:34:31,270 --> 00:34:34,604
You're gonna sink.
Pull me in.
735
00:34:34,606 --> 00:34:39,009
Pull me in. Pull me in.
736
00:34:39,011 --> 00:34:41,178
Grab it down in front of it.
737
00:34:41,180 --> 00:34:44,281
♪
738
00:34:44,283 --> 00:34:47,117
Yes! We got it. We landed him.
739
00:34:47,119 --> 00:34:48,952
Holy mackerel, we got it.
740
00:34:48,954 --> 00:34:50,220
-We got it.
-Whoo!
741
00:34:50,222 --> 00:34:52,923
Whoo!
742
00:34:52,925 --> 00:34:55,959
The important pieces of
biometrics that we need to pull,
743
00:34:55,961 --> 00:34:57,794
We need to get
the carapace length,
744
00:34:57,796 --> 00:34:59,863
The width, the head width.
745
00:34:59,865 --> 00:35:01,198
We're obviously gonna
get the weight,
746
00:35:01,200 --> 00:35:02,599
And that is the thing
that we are most certainly
747
00:35:02,601 --> 00:35:04,000
Interested in,
and then we are going
748
00:35:04,002 --> 00:35:06,103
To actually place
a microchip into the turtle
749
00:35:06,105 --> 00:35:07,704
So that if it's caught
in the future,
750
00:35:07,706 --> 00:35:09,339
We can identify it.
-Right.
751
00:35:09,341 --> 00:35:11,641
I will get the measurements
if you want to write.
752
00:35:11,643 --> 00:35:13,076
Yep.
753
00:35:13,078 --> 00:35:15,645
So I'm gonna direct you
as to what we need first.
754
00:35:15,647 --> 00:35:16,847
-Okay.
-All right.
755
00:35:16,849 --> 00:35:21,218
So we're gonna do
the max carapace length.
756
00:35:21,220 --> 00:35:25,388
Don't you move.
757
00:35:25,390 --> 00:35:28,859
You're at 68.4.
758
00:35:28,861 --> 00:35:32,028
68.4. Okay.
759
00:35:32,030 --> 00:35:34,931
Let's do the mid-length.
Perfect.
760
00:35:34,933 --> 00:35:38,301
That is at 62.6.
761
00:35:38,303 --> 00:35:39,970
62.6.
762
00:35:39,972 --> 00:35:41,304
Width?
763
00:35:41,306 --> 00:35:45,175
That is at 54.4.
764
00:35:45,177 --> 00:35:47,177
All right.
Now look at that massive head,
765
00:35:47,179 --> 00:35:50,247
So you got to find
the widest point there.
766
00:35:50,249 --> 00:35:51,448
Stay very calm.
767
00:35:51,450 --> 00:35:52,516
-That's it, big boy.
-Yep.
768
00:35:52,518 --> 00:35:56,786
That is at 21.4.
769
00:35:56,788 --> 00:35:57,821
-Wow.
-Wow.
770
00:35:57,823 --> 00:35:59,689
Look at the size
of those front claws.
771
00:35:59,691 --> 00:36:01,992
All right, so next step is,
we're going to microchip it.
772
00:36:01,994 --> 00:36:04,060
Okay, this is gonna be
a risky little maneuver,
773
00:36:04,062 --> 00:36:06,296
So I'm gonna have to tilt
the turtle up to its side
774
00:36:06,298 --> 00:36:07,430
So that mario
can get to the --
775
00:36:07,432 --> 00:36:09,299
-Yeah.
-...Softer underbelly.
776
00:36:09,301 --> 00:36:11,334
All right.
777
00:36:11,336 --> 00:36:13,603
We're gonna bring him
down off of the kayak.
778
00:36:13,605 --> 00:36:17,207
I'm gonna let him just
crawl down very slowly.
779
00:36:17,209 --> 00:36:19,643
There we go.
There's too much going on here.
780
00:36:19,645 --> 00:36:20,744
Okay. All right.
781
00:36:20,746 --> 00:36:22,245
Let's get the kayak
out of the way.
782
00:36:22,247 --> 00:36:26,316
♪
783
00:36:26,318 --> 00:36:27,651
Let me know when you're ready.
784
00:36:27,653 --> 00:36:31,087
All right, yeah.
785
00:36:31,089 --> 00:36:33,590
All right, so this is kind of
like going to the doctor.
786
00:36:33,592 --> 00:36:35,058
You get a little shot.
787
00:36:35,060 --> 00:36:37,060
Just gonna wipe this area
nice and clean.
788
00:36:37,062 --> 00:36:38,628
Be quick about it
because he's crushing me.
789
00:36:38,630 --> 00:36:43,533
♪
790
00:36:43,535 --> 00:36:45,335
Okay. Cool.
791
00:36:45,337 --> 00:36:46,469
-Okay.
-Scan it.
792
00:36:46,471 --> 00:36:48,071
Scan it.
793
00:36:48,073 --> 00:36:50,106
I know, big guy. I know.
It's okay.
794
00:36:50,108 --> 00:36:52,709
-Okay?
-It's okay. Got it.
795
00:36:52,711 --> 00:36:54,578
And there we go.
That's his id number.
796
00:36:54,580 --> 00:36:56,479
All right, I know.
797
00:36:56,481 --> 00:37:01,117
I hate to say, but the hardest
part is to come,
798
00:37:01,119 --> 00:37:03,720
And that is,
we got to weigh him.
799
00:37:03,722 --> 00:37:05,855
Okay, so to weigh this turtle,
800
00:37:05,857 --> 00:37:07,958
We're actually gonna place
it inside of a sling.
801
00:37:07,960 --> 00:37:12,829
We've got a scale that will get
us a calculated specific weight,
802
00:37:12,831 --> 00:37:14,898
But hoisting it up,
it's going to be tough.
803
00:37:14,900 --> 00:37:18,201
♪
804
00:37:18,203 --> 00:37:19,402
Okay, there we go.
805
00:37:19,404 --> 00:37:23,740
♪
806
00:37:23,742 --> 00:37:25,275
Nope.
807
00:37:25,277 --> 00:37:26,276
All right, you're gonna have
to lift him,
808
00:37:26,278 --> 00:37:28,345
And I'll just slide it under.
809
00:37:28,347 --> 00:37:30,280
-Oh, his claw.
-Watch it.
810
00:37:30,282 --> 00:37:31,815
-There you go.
-Oh, jeez.
811
00:37:31,817 --> 00:37:33,550
Watch your hand.
Watch your hand.
812
00:37:33,552 --> 00:37:36,019
Wow, did you hear the power
in that chomp?
813
00:37:36,021 --> 00:37:37,320
-[ laughs ]
-holy cow.
814
00:37:37,322 --> 00:37:39,389
That was like
an alligator bite.
815
00:37:39,391 --> 00:37:41,825
Okay, he is in the sling.
816
00:37:41,827 --> 00:37:44,094
-You grab that side.
-Okay.
817
00:37:44,096 --> 00:37:46,396
Oh, he's ripping it.
He is ripping it.
818
00:37:46,398 --> 00:37:48,098
-We got to work fast, guys.
-Okay.
819
00:37:48,100 --> 00:37:50,767
So the turtle is now
in the sling.
820
00:37:50,769 --> 00:37:51,935
All right,
so we've got ourselves
821
00:37:51,937 --> 00:37:53,703
A heavy-duty scale
right here.
822
00:37:53,705 --> 00:37:57,874
We're gonna put it on,
and we're just gonna tear it.
823
00:37:57,876 --> 00:38:00,377
Coyote: The current world record
for a wild-caught alligator
824
00:38:00,379 --> 00:38:04,214
Snapping turtle is 175 pounds.
825
00:38:04,216 --> 00:38:06,483
This behemoth feels like it
weighs a ton,
826
00:38:06,485 --> 00:38:09,653
But we'll have to weigh it to
see if we've broken this record.
827
00:38:09,655 --> 00:38:11,921
All right.
And be very careful.
828
00:38:11,923 --> 00:38:15,992
Yep. This is it, the moment
everyone has been waiting for,
829
00:38:15,994 --> 00:38:18,895
The weight of this gargantuan
alligator snapping turtle.
830
00:38:18,897 --> 00:38:22,632
♪
831
00:38:30,475 --> 00:38:33,343
This is it, the moment everyone
has been waiting for,
832
00:38:33,345 --> 00:38:36,746
The weight of this gargantuan
alligator snapping turtle.
833
00:38:36,748 --> 00:38:39,215
One, two, three.
834
00:38:39,217 --> 00:38:41,885
-All right.
-Hold.
835
00:38:41,887 --> 00:38:44,054
Okay.
836
00:38:44,056 --> 00:38:45,221
Ah.
837
00:38:45,223 --> 00:38:47,624
Holy mackerel,
that's a heavy turtle.
838
00:38:47,626 --> 00:38:50,994
123.4,
839
00:38:50,996 --> 00:38:54,898
The largest snapping turtle
I have ever caught, come on.
840
00:38:54,900 --> 00:38:57,867
-Wow.
-Dude, that is amazing!
841
00:38:57,869 --> 00:39:00,603
Wow! It does not break
a world record,
842
00:39:00,605 --> 00:39:03,273
But it breaks
a personal record for me,
843
00:39:03,275 --> 00:39:05,208
For you,
for anybody that we know.
844
00:39:05,210 --> 00:39:07,844
That is an enormous turtle.
845
00:39:07,846 --> 00:39:08,978
Wow. All right.
846
00:39:08,980 --> 00:39:11,448
Let's get it back
out of the sling.
847
00:39:11,450 --> 00:39:13,383
Ah, you did so good, buddy.
848
00:39:13,385 --> 00:39:17,087
You did so good.
849
00:39:17,089 --> 00:39:19,422
Now the data will allow us
to keep track
850
00:39:19,424 --> 00:39:21,591
Of the turtles
in this area specifically.
851
00:39:21,593 --> 00:39:23,360
Snapping turtles live all
throughout the eastern
852
00:39:23,362 --> 00:39:25,128
Half of the united states,
and of course the alligator
853
00:39:25,130 --> 00:39:27,564
Snapping turtle
is only here down in the south,
854
00:39:27,566 --> 00:39:30,667
But having this data allows us
to distinguish the difference
855
00:39:30,669 --> 00:39:33,103
Between this population
of alligator snapping turtles
856
00:39:33,105 --> 00:39:36,272
Living in this unique lake-type
environment versus alligator
857
00:39:36,274 --> 00:39:38,241
Snapping turtles that are
living in flowing water
858
00:39:38,243 --> 00:39:40,076
Like streams and rivers.
859
00:39:40,078 --> 00:39:41,945
A turtle like this is
incredibly old,
860
00:39:41,947 --> 00:39:44,614
Maybe as much
as 100 years of age.
861
00:39:44,616 --> 00:39:47,784
These turtles of this size
are incredibly rare these days.
862
00:39:47,786 --> 00:39:50,553
Poaching and turtle meat
being traded on the black market
863
00:39:50,555 --> 00:39:54,424
Is a huge problem
for this reptile.
864
00:39:54,426 --> 00:39:56,693
So here is an important fact
that you may not know.
865
00:39:56,695 --> 00:39:58,895
Turtles are actually the most
endangered group
866
00:39:58,897 --> 00:40:00,797
Of vertebrates
on the face of the planet,
867
00:40:00,799 --> 00:40:02,232
And the alligator
snapping turtle
868
00:40:02,234 --> 00:40:04,834
Is threatened here
in the state of texas.
869
00:40:04,836 --> 00:40:07,737
Without us caring about
these reptiles,
870
00:40:07,739 --> 00:40:10,573
There's no hope for their
future to continue thriving.
871
00:40:10,575 --> 00:40:13,109
As soon as we get this turtle
back off into the wild,
872
00:40:13,111 --> 00:40:14,744
It's unlikely that it will
ever interact
873
00:40:14,746 --> 00:40:18,681
With a human the way
that it did today.
874
00:40:18,683 --> 00:40:21,818
Well, this certainly was
an incredible expedition.
875
00:40:21,820 --> 00:40:24,754
We now know that this
environment is a healthy,
876
00:40:24,756 --> 00:40:27,891
Happy ecosystem for
the alligator snapping turtle.
877
00:40:27,893 --> 00:40:29,159
I'm coyote peterson.
878
00:40:29,161 --> 00:40:30,827
Be brave.
879
00:40:30,829 --> 00:40:32,462
Stay wild.
880
00:40:32,464 --> 00:40:33,963
We'll see you on
the next adventure.
881
00:40:33,965 --> 00:40:37,934
All right, time to get this
turtle back into the lake.
882
00:40:37,936 --> 00:40:41,704
All right, buddy.
Here we go.
883
00:40:41,706 --> 00:40:45,475
Turtles have been on the planet
for more than 200 million years.
884
00:40:45,477 --> 00:40:47,944
They have survived
the extinction of dinosaurs,
885
00:40:47,946 --> 00:40:49,813
And their prehistoric nature
has not evolved
886
00:40:49,815 --> 00:40:53,683
Far beyond
their original design.
887
00:40:53,685 --> 00:40:56,352
The alligator snapping turtle
is without question
888
00:40:56,354 --> 00:40:59,122
One of our planet's
most mysterious animals,
889
00:40:59,124 --> 00:41:02,959
And their elusive behaviors
have kept them well hidden,
890
00:41:02,961 --> 00:41:05,061
Yet humans have had an impact,
891
00:41:05,063 --> 00:41:10,133
And the species is now
under threat of disappearing.
892
00:41:10,135 --> 00:41:12,602
Conservationists like
carl and viviana
893
00:41:12,604 --> 00:41:15,805
Love these bizarre beasts,
and while a snapping turtle
894
00:41:15,807 --> 00:41:19,075
May not be the most adorable
of the shelled reptiles,
895
00:41:19,077 --> 00:41:22,111
Each and every turtle
deserves protection.
896
00:41:22,113 --> 00:41:24,714
The first time I saw a common
snapping turtle
897
00:41:24,716 --> 00:41:26,182
With its golden eyes,
898
00:41:26,184 --> 00:41:29,319
Algae-covered shell,
and dragonlike tail,
899
00:41:29,321 --> 00:41:31,521
My imagination ran wild,
900
00:41:31,523 --> 00:41:34,324
And my fascination
for animals sparked a fire
901
00:41:34,326 --> 00:41:37,260
That has led me
on this journey.
902
00:41:37,262 --> 00:41:41,030
I owe everything that I am
to these ancient beings,
903
00:41:41,032 --> 00:41:43,233
And it's because of them
that I am able
904
00:41:43,235 --> 00:41:46,402
To share my love
of animals with you.
905
00:41:46,404 --> 00:41:48,805
We all dream of finding
our calling
906
00:41:48,807 --> 00:41:52,041
And hope to recognize the very
thing that makes us special,
907
00:41:52,043 --> 00:41:55,078
That sets us apart
from the rest.
908
00:41:55,080 --> 00:41:56,946
My dream was born
in the muddy swamps
909
00:41:56,948 --> 00:41:59,649
Of a tiny rural town
in the middle of nowhere,
910
00:41:59,651 --> 00:42:01,384
And like the snapping turtle,
911
00:42:01,386 --> 00:42:05,855
It has found a way to grow
and survive against all odds.
912
00:42:05,857 --> 00:42:10,126
What began with a single reptile
has now become my chance
913
00:42:10,128 --> 00:42:11,361
To brave the wild.
914
00:42:11,363 --> 00:42:13,263
♪
78663
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