HOUSTON - Turtle researchers have confirmed a growing population of alligator snapping turtles was discovered in Buffalo Bayou.
Their presence had been unknown until recently, researchers said.
The animals were called "river monsters" and had been hunted to endangerment in the 20th century.
It's unclear exactly how many turtles there are in the bayou. Researchers are hoping to get a better idea soon after they recover the traps they set to record and measure the animals.
According to National Geographic, the alligator snapping turtle can live to be between 50 and 100 years old.
They are the largest freshwater turtles in North America and among the largest in the world. They usually weigh around 200 lbs.
Alligator snappers spend most of their lives in water and can stay submerged for 40 to 50 minutes before surfacing for air.
