Open Wide – Crunch, a 165-pound alligator snapping turtle, opens his powerful jaws to the awe of young visitors at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The giant reptile, representing the largest freshwater turtle species in North America, is on special exhibit through July 31. The four-foot-long reptile can be seen in the Changing Exhibits Gallery, free with Aquarium admission or membership.

Crunch can be seen anytime the Aquarium is open. In addition, Crunch will be the topic of Tankside Talks every Saturday at 10 a.m. while he is at the Aquarium. There is no extra charge for the presentations, and advance registration is not required.

The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; open until 9 p.m. on July 16, July 30 and Aug. 13 for Family Nights. Admission is $8 for ages 18-61; $7 ages 62 and up; $6 ages 6-17; no charge for ages 5 and under and members of the North Carolina Aquariums. The Aquarium is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. See www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003 for more information.