[Tweeters] Chelonian question

[MaryFrances Mathis]

Over the years at Juanita, I’ve witnessed at least two red-eared sliders digging nests along a dirt path, and have seen many small (young?) sliders and painted turtles. There have also been several other species of released turtles, but I can’t find my notes to identify them by name. 

MaryFrances Mathis
Kirkland 

Sent from my iPad


> On Oct 20, 2021, at 3:05 PM, Stan Bezimienny <grzebiuszkaziemna at gmail.com> wrote:

> 

> 

> Hi Gary,

> 

> I have seen 3 species of turtles in Juanita Bay:

> 

> 1. red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

> 2. painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)

> 3. spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera)

> 

> All 3 are introduced  pets, long living but likely non-breeding. 

> 

> 1. Common, invasive, older specimens can be completely black. I’ve seen them as late as 12/24, rather cold tolerant

> 2. Less frequently seen, mostly spring

> 3. At least 2 huge specimens, seen in late spring, 2 years in a row

> 

> Have pictures to illustrate. All 3 species are reasonably easy to tell apart. 

> 2. Is native to WA, but I think the JBP are released pets. 

> 

> Stan 

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