Crocodile turtle is the oldest living reptile. It is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world and is known as the king of freshwater animals. Because of the loss of habitat caused by human hunting, it is listed as a vulnerable species by the World Conservation Union.

Crocodile turtle is an exotic species in China, mainly distributed in the Mississippi River valley in North and Central America, especially in the southeastern United States. It is not a protected animal in China.

In addition, because it has no natural enemies, it can easily lead to mass reproduction and ecological imbalance in a region, so it must not be released.