Florida Softshell Turtles
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If you recall, I had taken and shared my mystery wildlife photo a couple months ago taken in Alabama that had me so curious to confirm what it was, I contacted a reptile group. I thought it was a huge snake!
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Mystery Wildlife – Softshell Turtle (a.k.a. baby hippo! hehe)
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There are several species of softshell turtles in North America, the largest of them is the Florida softshell turtle. At our campground last month, there were several that basked in the sun each day around the ponds.
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Florida softshell turtle
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The Florida softshell turtle ranges from 6 to 30 inches (15 to 76 cm) in length. Adults females are often 3-5 times larger than males!
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Florida softshell turtles along with another unidentified turtle
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Florida softshell turtle
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It was neat to actually get to view these turtles after having seen a glimpse of the one previously that had piqued my curiosity!
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Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos. Are their shells actually soft?
Thank you, Hien! Great question! Their shells are not like the typical turtle’s hard shell, it’s more a rubbery cartilage that is covered and protected by leathery skin.
Wonderful photos and fascinating. I’ve never heard of soft shelled turtles.
Thank you, Imorgana! These turtles certainly are different from what we’re used to seeing. 🙂
Very unique in appearance of their snout!!
It is unique! And those eyes! 😉
What cool creatures, feet that look like paddles and with their noses in the air.
Quite unique from the normal turtle! 🙂
So cute and their necks are so long!
Quite unique for sure!
DONNA!!!! These pictures are absolutely STUNNING! I’ve never seen one of these turtles before, but now that you’ve identified it, I’ll know what they are when I DO see one, (and I hope I do get the chance to see one someday). I so enjoy the pictures you post. Thank you so much for sharing them and setting up this blog.
Thank you, Audrey! I’d never seen a turtle quite like these, for sure different. 🙂 Missing you in Florida, we’re in the lot next to yours. 😉
Good photos , I never heard of these before your first introduction. Happy holidays!
Thank you, Jane! They were new to me just a few months ago. So many creatures in the wild to explore and learn about. Happy Holidays to you too!
These are amazing Donna! I never knew there was such a creature. Thank you for sharing them!
Thank you, Susan! They were new to me a couple months ago too!
Amazing resemblance in the water to the Hippo Donna.
🙂 When the Alabama reptile group was IDing it, many joked it did look like a baby hippo.
Great shots, Donna. 🙂
Thank you, HJ! 😊
Very nice series of turtle images Donna!
Thank you, Reed!
Interesting! We have been educated. 😁
Thank you, Irene! 😁
I remember your old post where you mentioned this looks like a mini-hippo. It looked like a mini-alien to me LOL I’ve never heard of them until your post. Always something new to learn🙂
Orange Beach had just endured Hurricane Eta a month prior, I was sure it was a huge snake….or a creature from the Gulf of Mexico. LOL.
Interesting turtle, kinda creepy. 😉 I’ve never seen such a thing!
Looks like a big ole pancake with paddles! LOL 😉
Fascinating creature! It makes one wonder how many animals we have yet to encounter, even in our own localities. 🌲
I agree, Barbara! The hunt is continually on for the new and different to me! 😉
Very interesting post and great shots. I wonder if they are more vulnerable than hard shelled turtles.
Thanks, Belinda! They are more vulnerable to predators; and, therefore, more aggressive than many turtle species. They have very sharp claws and powerful jaws to scratch and bite if disturbed.
Love the turtles!
Thanks Vic!
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Wow, I’ve never heard of these or seen them in captivity. Pretty amazing that they’re not in any zoos I’ve been in. They do look like a hippo in the water.
I think it’s wonderful that you got to see them in the wild and share the images. I’m glad you found out what they are.
What a creature, huh?!! Definitely a different turtle from what I’d ever seen before. Thank you, Deborah!
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Great captures, Donna, of these odd creatures. ≈ Love that first shot, the hippo, and can see how you wouldn’t know what it was. Great captures, Donna, of these odd creatures. We saw them swimming in a small pond last winter in Florida, my only experience with them.
Thank you, Ellen! I’m surprised I’ve never seen these in Florida prior to this year as well. Definitely different from our regular turtles!
Yes, a bit on the freakish side!
amazing post i too have a reptile blog yall should check it out
https://letstalkreptiles.com/2020/12/18/bearded-dragon-care/
Thank you!