Florida Softshell Turtle
Apalone ferox
20.8481, -86.8759
Field Notes
Description:
Photo take in a privet zoo crococun. The Florida softshell turtle typically has a dark brown to olive green, leathery carapace with a white or cream colored underside, which provides the turtle with effective protection from some predators.They have a long neck, an elongated head, with a long snorkel-like nose. Juveniles have dark blotching, which fades as they age. On some occasions,Florida softshell turtles can sprint quickly back into a pond or lake to get away from danger. They grow to a large size, ranging from 15–76 cm in length. They are the largest of all the species in the genus Apalone and the largest soft-shell turtles in North America. Females are larger with males only reaching about 35 cm
Habitat:
It is found primarily in the state of Florida, but it also ranges to southern sections of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, They prefer still waters and can be found in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and swamps. These turtles are usually shy around humans, but when they feel threatened they will bite with their strong jaws.[4] Like all soft-shells they are very fast in water and on land.
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