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photo ©Dylan Edwards

This is a softshell turtle, so called because its shell is a tough, leathery skin rather than a series of interlocking bony plates. I mostly see them sunning themselves on the rocks by the pond, but these two I spotted in the creek. When they're frightened they bury themselves in the creek bed and hold very still, making them almost impossible to spot. Softshells are known to bite in defense, so you're better off not trying to pick one up if you can avoid it.

photo ©Dylan Edwards

photo ©Dylan Edwards