Soft-shelled turtle



Rondeau Provincial Park, Sept 1, 2013.
One from the archives.
I had the opportunity to watch a nest of soft shells hatch out in an incubator.
It was just pushing its way out.
Apalone spinifera
The Spiny softshell is a medium-large freshwater turtle that is easily recognized by its shell, which is round, rather flat, leathery and can reach up to 54 centimetres, 22 inches, long. It is also distinguished by its snorkel-like snout. Unlike any other Ontario turtles, this species has a soft shell.

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