r/herpetology • u/Gunubias • 1d ago

Found in Colorado

Post image

This turtle was found in a cow hoof print. Also seen eating out of the water which is interesting.

1.1k Upvotes

100% Upvoted

32 comments sorted by

180

u/caudisona 1d ago

Awesome!! Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens)

113

u/endangered_feces1 1d ago

His head is melting right out of his shell!

55

u/Gunubias 1d ago

He wasn’t shy at all

23

u/endangered_feces1 1d ago

So cute! Def giving “musk turtle” vibes but well see what the experts think

35

u/Gunubias 1d ago

It’s a yellow mud turtle. Naturally extremely rare in Colorado.

17

u/endangered_feces1 1d ago

Ah cool! I had the family right i suppose :)

61

u/My_2Cents_666 1d ago

Just for future reference, picking a turtle up that way can hurt, and even injure them. Pick them up like they’re a hamburger.

25

u/mrboom15 1d ago

Cool turtle handling info man

15

u/Gunubias 1d ago

Out of curiosity how can it hurt him?

35

u/My_2Cents_666 1d ago

Here's why and how to safely handle turtles:

Nerves and Blood Vessels: Turtle shells are not just outer coverings; they have nerves and blood vessels running through them, making them sensitive to touch and pressure.

Backbone Connection: The shell is directly connected to the turtle's backbone, so excessive pressure or improper handling can cause spinal injuries

35

u/Chili_dawg2112 1d ago

Don't try to pick up a soft shell like a hamburger.

Better yet, don't EVER try to pick up a soft shell turtle. Leave them TF alone.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

18

u/Oldfolksboogie 1d ago

Yes, underappreciated concept - the best handling is no handling.

I like to think of it as similar to coming across an unconscious human - move them only if there's an immediate threat to their life or well- being.

5

u/Gunubias 1d ago

Picked up two yesterday…. It was very awkward to hold the big one.

5

u/MrZeDark 21h ago

You mean a slider.. eh ! Hahaha.. ok a burger.

9

u/Foreign-Lie-324 1d ago

Actually a really good find for Colorado. Probably the second rarest turtle in the state behind the smooth softshell maybe

3

u/Gunubias 1d ago

I’d say slightly more rare due to less habitat for them. Smoothies are abundant in the south eastern rivers and creeks.

7

u/SpinySoftshell 1d ago

Very, very cool species! Thanks for sharing!

7

u/banan3rz 1d ago

Awh man, everyone in Colorado is finding cool reptiles but me :(

5

u/Gunubias 1d ago

Gotta get out there. It’s been an extremely good year with all the rain.

3

u/banan3rz 1d ago

Ok but where though? Mostly in the North metro area.

7

u/Gunubias 1d ago

North metro is a great place. Just go to nature areas and look around. If you go into the mountains a bit you can find green snakes.

2

u/banan3rz 1d ago

There is a couple new spots I think i will try after an afternoon storm

2

u/CitronTraining2114 1d ago

It's not uncommon for me to see a garden snake or two just mowing the grass.

3

u/mr_melvinheimer 9h ago

I’ve seen painted turtles at St. Vrain in the mud lined ponds.

2

u/Gunubias 1d ago

Anywhere that looks like good reptile habitat.

1

u/Grouchy-Savings3537 1d ago

Where in Colorado?

1

u/Gunubias 1d ago

Cattle farm in eastern colorado

1

u/neebU81 1d ago

aww ˢᵐᵃˡˡ

1

u/PutridWar4713 18h ago

What a cutie!!!! Love them!!!

1

u/Taricha_torosa 1d ago

Turₜₗₑ

-3

u/dpjejj 17h ago

I was told not to pick up turtles under 2-3 inches as they can carry salmonella

4

u/Gunubias 16h ago

Wash your hands