Florida Soft Shell Turtle

From Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex:

Blue Hole News-
Today a female Florida soft shell turtle set off on a journey from Blue Hole for a terrestrial walkabout in search of a proper nesting area, which is difficult to find in the hard limestone rock. She ended up in the parking lot, which would have been a bad ending to her journey were it not for the quick response by Refuge volunteer David Williams and biological technician Matt Moore who whisked her away and back to Blue Hole. Some might ask why we didn't remove this exotic (non-native) species when we were given the opportunity, and that would be a good question. We do use them as a focal point to educate people about not releasing pets in wild places. There are only a couple there and they don't seem to be having any success reproducing ;so under a watchful eye they will remain and entertain visitors with their unusual anatomy.

Photo: David Williams 

#animals #reptile #turtle #wildlife #nature 

#USFWS #Florida #FL 






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