We were driving up our road (dirt) and I spotted this large Soft Shell Turtle in the grass on the shoulder.
I sent my husband on home with the groceries while I waited for it to come out of the shell or move on. It just sat there and looked at me for 10 or 15 minutes. 
Evidently it didn’t feel threatened so started to check me out.
Can’t say this is one of nature’s beauties.
It has a “snorkle” like snout, and a long neck that lets it lay on the bottom of a shallow pond or canal and still breath. Waiting for a “meal” to swim by. You can get an idea of the size of it’s mouth in this photo. I read a large one could bite off a finger or maybe even a hand. They have very long necks, so picking up a large one might not be a good idea, even to get it out of the road.
I think this might be a female since males are smaller and only get a bit over a ft long. This one was longer than that. She looks at me as if to ask if I am done yet and can she get on with her business.
Then headed back into the ditch, and on her way.
Very interesting post! This turtle is definitely not one of nature's beauties! I've never seen a turtle with a snout like that. The face looks like one of those alien costumes in Star Wars.
ReplyDeleteI've never ever seen anything like this. Super close up of the 'snout' Carol. FAB
ReplyDeleteGotta love that nose! Great find!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing creature; and excellent pictures. Never seen anything like that before.
ReplyDeleteWhat a face! Looks like it's smiling in the last. lol
It is indeed an odd looking turtel nose. How delightful that you stopped to joing its company for a while. Nice captures.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures were certainly worth the wait. What an interesting turtle – your close ups are very informative as not many people have the opportunity to see these creatures in such great details. Thanks for waiting to see this turtle and for posting the results.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting looking! How fun for you to get so up close and personal with it!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! We used to find these in the creek by the field we farmed. I didn't remember their snorkle looking like that but that was a long time ago. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures of the turtle. I have never seen anything like it before. Don't believe I'd reach out and touch him! The video is nice too.
ReplyDeletewe call the fresh water ones terrapins in africa - those tube noses are crazy!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know they existed! How odd that the shell has almost no markings...and that snorkle is fascinating! Great spotting, Carol!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking turtle!! The photos you have taken are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I have never seen the head/face/nose of this turtle before. You captured some great pictures. Wow--what an interesting looking turtle. Thanks for sharing this one with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
I am so glad you stopped for this photo op! I've never had a close encounter and was fascinated by her features! You really got some awesome shots, showing the textures of this fine turtle! Loved the close ups!
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
ReplyDeleteThanks for passing by my blog. Now I'm discovering your which is truly amazing. Beautiful shots there and story.
I love this turtle, it has a very funny look and snout! Wonderful beast of mother nature!
Weird looking creature. I have never seen one of those. Helen
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos of the turtle.
ReplyDelete