spiny softshell turtle

[brandonh]

1st i found today was DOA in a flooded grassy area. it was belly down appeared dead for awhile but little bit later this guy about the same size cheered me up by being very much alive

[Jakeslither]

what does the shell texture feel like? and nice find!

[Dave Kelley]

Nice find! Spiny softshells are a really cool species of turtle. Their long, tubelike nose has always intrigued me a bit!

[Kimmie]

sooo cute

[alessia55]

What do they feel like?
It's awesome that you can find these out in your area naturally.

[sweatshirt]

Awesome, you find epic stuff around you xD

[brandonh]

thank you all they feel like a very smooth leather type. the end of their shell is very flexible and their belly shell is very unusual looking. their long nose is part of a evolutionary success by attaching it to a very long neck. the turtle can lay on bottom of the river in mud along shore lines and it stretches its neck out and can stick that long nose out and can breathe without giving itself away. i do love soft shells and i am fortunate that they are in my area

check out the belly plate

[jarich]

Very cool little guy.

[brandonh]

i agree they are one of my favorite turtles here in pa

[JWFugle]

nice find, and catch... we have a HUGE mother(sewer cap or bigger i swear!) that lays eggs near our house every year. so we find the babes hiding in the seaweed near by for weeks. their fun little buggers. quick too

[brandonh]

Originally Posted by JWFugle

nice find, and catch... we have a HUGE mother(sewer cap or bigger i swear!) that lays eggs near our house every year. so we find the babes hiding in the seaweed near by for weeks. their fun little buggers. quick too

that is a big turtle !!! it is also very awesome having one laying eggs near your house you are very lucky and i agree they are very fast lol