[Tweeters] Chelonian question

[dgrainger at birdsbydave.com]

My understanding is that the Western Painted turtle is a native and not 
introduced species. Western Pond turtle is the other native, although I 
have not personally seen those.

Down at Ridgefield you can find literal stacks two and three deep, of 
all sizes, sunning on  semi submerged logs in wet areas. I have 
photographed Western Painteds at Nisqually as well.

On 2021-10-20 15:01, Stan Bezimienny 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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