Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. This morning I found a turtle laying eggs in my yard. She laid about five eggs and then departed. She did not cover up her nest. I have dogs that were initally barking at her but I brought them inside and she finished laying her eggs. Knowing that most turtles covered thier nests and believing that the dogs had scared her off, I covered the nest with the dirt the she had displaced. I recently read that that some turtles leave their nests uncovered. Based on internet photos I think she is a florida cooter (but we live in southern VA). Can anyone identify her type? Thanks, Gertchwood

That is a Northern Red-bellied Cooter, Pseudemys rubriventris, that nested in your yard.

Put a little chicken-wire cage around the nest with holes big enough for the babe turtles to get through. LOTS of turtle nests are destroyed by skunks and racoons.