Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle

Description:

The Eastern spiny softshell turtle is Smooth and flat, Has a rubbery skin-covered shell that lacks scutes and has flexible edges. It is brown or olive in color. Has a long nose and looks pig like. All feet are fully webbed. Will bask on logs or banks; often bury themselves in sand or mud in shallow water. They rarely move over land except to nest. These turtles are very fast swimmers and agile on land; will bite in self defense. They eat crayfish, insects, tadpoles, and occasionally small fish.

Habitat:

Rivers, lakes, impoundments with sand or mud bottom with little vegetation. This turtle was spotted near a small pond at a campground in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.