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Yellow-bellied Slider

Trachemys scripta scripta

Photo by ceherzog
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

My nephew found this turtle while boating. I almost didn't post it because it is so sad to me. He thought it was a snapping turtle (of course).

I would appreciate an ID and I hope the pics will encourage people to remove fish hooks if possible...the line was wrapped around logs. Of course, the line might have broken...I don't know

Habitat:

Large man-made lake

Reference Links:

Yellow-bellied slider

Species ID Suggestions

Spotted Turtle
kmcinnis1
1

Comments (14)
ceherzog
I don't know about hook removal. I guess, if in doubt, you could take to a wildlife center. Maybe someone else can answer that question. I think if you can cut the loop off the hook you can push it on through.
p.young713
Can you take the hook out of the turtles mouth or would you take them to a wild life center?
MitchRay
very possible. Melanism is more common in males, but it does occur in females as well. Judging by the claw length in the second photo, that is probably a female. An old female could definitely approach the size limit for the species.
ceherzog
@MitchRay Thanks so much for the ID! He must have been quite old as he was at the top range for size for that species.
ceherzog
@ Christiane....I believe that...you can't imagine how many Walmart bags I pick up at the beach every day.
MitchRay
A Yellow-bellied Slider may be a better choice for South Carolina, but Red-eared Sliders have been introduced all over.
MitchRay
It's an old, melanistic slider, possibly a Red-eared Slider
Christiane
We have rescued turtles, whales and dolphin with net or fishing line around their fins.. But the worst are plastic shopping bags.. so many animals get killed because of them!
ceherzog
It looks as though most of you agree that it's a sad yet important issue to address.I can't tell you how often I have observed shorebirds entangled in fishing line. @Yasser...I sent a note to Mitch, hopefully he can help with the ID
Christiane
This is a very sad photo! :(( But I agree that it is important to bring awareness to this issue. Thanks for sharing this with the community. It is sad what we do to the animals without thinking.. and photos like this are a good reminder!
Yasser
Claire, I woud try reaching out to Mitch (http://www.projectnoah.org/users/MitchRay) as he'd probably know. His email address is listed on the link I provided. This is a sad photo, but it's important to bring awareness to this issue. I know it was tough, but thanks for sharing this with the community.
animaisfotos
Very sad. Never the less, thanks for sharing. Its a good photo and a one of the best ways to touch peoples hearts.
ceherzog
@kmcinnis1 I looked at Spotted Turtle & it doesn't look like the pics. Could you tell me why you think it is a Spotted Turtle? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_Turtle
Photographed
PublishedJuly 4, 2011

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