Authorities with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are conducting surveys to assess alligator snapping turtle populations in Tennessee.

According to a statement released by the agency, “The surveys will provide essential information that will help guide TWRA’s future decisions regarding the restoration of the alligator snapping turtle in Tennessee.”

The surveys will also provide needed information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is now conducting a Species Status Assessment on the alligator snapping turtle.

The USFWS website maintains a list of all endangered species in Tennessee.