Reptile & Amphibian Forums

cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_045124318.html

Anyone have an idea on the species? I was thinking one of the asian giant species...

It's an alligator snapping turtle

Nah, it's definitly a species of Softshell. The snorkel like nose is clearly visible in one portion of that video.

Not to mention, the "expert" called it a Softshell like 2 or 3 times =)

Kevin

Teach me not to look at the video. I responded from work and my computer there is so slow I couldn't view the video. You're right, definitely a softshell. It's not the five feet they claim in the video from what I can tell. Maybe 2 foot carapace at the most. Female florida softshells have been measured at 20 inches and are exceptionally large animals. With it being so bloated from decomposition it might well be a Florida softshell female. Of the larger, more common non native species I'd hazard a guess at the Nile softshell. They can reach three feet in length and 100 pounds. Be interesting to see if anyone follows up on it. If anyone has anymore news please post it. Very interesting to say the least.

You know, the more I look at it, I tend to agree that it probably is a adult female florida softshell.

>>Not to mention, the "expert" called it a Softshell like 2 or 3 times =)
>>
AND the reporter also called it an amphibian.
Yeah.. lol
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PHRatz

AND, the write-up said it was an alligator snapper. Anyways, no one has an opinion on the identity of the softshell?

Wow, they made allot of mistakes didn't they? Turtles arn't amphibians, it's obviously not a aligator snapping turtle. No spikes on the shell, it's completely smooth. and the shape of the head is not of a snapper. Looks like a very very very bid softshell. I hope mine snorkle doesn't grow that big!