Spiny Softshell Turtle

Description:

A spiny softshell at the Sedgwick Zoo. This species is very interesting. They can't tuck themselves into their shell and they...don't really have a shell at all. Spiny softshells are so named for the spiny protrusions on the forward edge of the carapace. These turtles are very large. Spiny softshells have a lot of adaptions to thrive as underwater breathers. This actually can cause problems for them when hibernating if the water they're in is not properly oxygenated. Spiny softshells are common and popular turtles in the pet trade, and from personal experience meeting these in the wild, are mean as all Hell. What's up with that.

Habitat:

Found in most of the United States, North into Canada and South into Mexico.