Warlock’s first big meal of spring! He has been partially dormant for the winter and has had zero appetite for over a month. Imagine my excitement when he wanders out and gobbles up all his food today! He got all his favorite food along with a nice soak. What a nice afternoon.
Sunshine State residents, do you recognize this little neighbor? It’s the Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox)! Unlike many turtles, you might find this critter darting about on land or swimming rapidly in water. Its hydrodynamic, flattened shell, and four strongly-webbed feet help it to move swiftly. Softshells stick mostly to water and have long necks and snouts that they poke above the surface, like a snorkel, to breathe. Juveniles have more contrasting color patterns than adults: their carapace, or shell, can be olive, tan, or light brown with spots and a yellow rim.