I don't post here very often, but I read every day. I don't know how many of you keep turtles, but I do and thought that I should post this for any that do. A large female Softshell turtle has been living in our pond for about 10 yrs now. My mom first noticed her when I was really young. We used to feed the pond on a daily basis and she would come up to eat, but we have slacked off the past couple of yrs. I saw this turtle lay eggs last yr, and have seen her basking on logs fairly regularly. The last time she was seen alive was this past Sunday afternoon. Unfortunatly this afternoon I was in the back and noticed a large something floating, so I headed out in a canoe. I looked her over when I got her up out of the water and she has no visible injuries. Measurements for everything but weight(we think it's about 30-40lbs.) Skull length:5" Shell width:14.5" B. Shell length:13" T. Shell length:19.5" And her longest claw was 1".
Some more pictures.
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OT: Sadly a large softshell turtle passes.(cautionic)
Replies (2)
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It's too bad that the big girl had to pass away. Nice looking critter! Ten years is a long time to have a wild animal a part of your life. I am very sorry for your loss.
But on the other hand, I truly applaud you for keeping up a habitat where such a nice loking gal could live (and thrive) for so long. Maybe soon you will have one of her offspring coming up to be fed all of the time. She was lucky to have you, and you were lucky to have her. Again, I feel for you, and the big gal.
