Florida Softshell Turtle in the Florida Everglades© Andy Lidstone/Shutterstock.comWatch the VideoTo watch the video on YouTube, click here. Wildlife content creator Zak Catchem, known for his YouTube channel CATCH EM ALL FISHING, recently had an unusual encounter in his outdoor koi pond. Noticing the fish acting strangely and a missing goldfish, he investigated and came face to face with a large predator – a softshell turtle. Zak shared his adventure of capturing and safely returning the turtle to its natural habitat in a video. Witness the excitement in the koi pond as Zak uses a net to retrieve the softshell turtle.©iStock.com/passion4natureWhat Turtle Species is Featured in the Video?Zak discovered a softshell turtle residing in his pond, likely originating from a nearby stream. The specific type may be the Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox), common in Southern Florida. These turtles have a distinct appearance with a shell covered in skin, dark brown to olive green coloring, and bumps near their head. Males can be differentiated from females by their tail length and distinctive features.Where Can Softshell Turtles Be Found?Florida is home to various softshell turtle species, such as the Florida softshell, smooth softshell, and spiny softshell. The Florida softshell turtle, prevalent throughout Florida, parts of Georgia, and South Carolina, inhabits freshwater bodies like streams, ponds, and marshes with sandy or muddy bottoms. Zak’s encounter likely involved a Florida softshell turtle seeking refuge beneath rocks in his pond.What Do Softshell Turtles Eat and Why Was It in the Koi Pond?Florida softshell turtles feed on fish, amphibians, insects, snails, and crustaceans. The turtle in Zak’s pond possibly ventured from the stream in search of a nesting site or prey. Despite nesting season typically starting in March, changes in climate patterns may have prompted early behaviors. When encountering a koi pond, these turtles perceive it as a prime feeding ground due to the presence of fish. Zak intervened to safeguard his fish by capturing and releasing the turtle back into the water, preventing any harm.The Impact of a Deadly Virus on Softshell Turtles in FloridaAn executive order in Florida prohibits the transportation or capture of Florida softshell turtles since 2021 to combat the spread of Turtle fraservirus 1, a disease affecting the turtle population since 2018. This measure aims to protect these unique reptiles and preserve their dwindling numbers.
TFV1 is a virus that can cause illness or death in turtles. Common symptoms of TFV1 include lethargy, closed eyes, eye or nasal discharge, and difficulties with swimming and breathing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is encouraging the public to report any sightings of sick or deceased turtles through a public reporting tool. Luckily, the turtle featured in the video above seemed to be in good health.
When it comes to relocating softshell turtles back to their natural habitat, it is important to follow certain guidelines. While it is illegal to transport softshell turtles in Florida, it is permissible to assist them over short distances, such as helping them cross a road or guiding them back to their water source. However, wildlife experts advise caution when handling softshell turtles, as they have long necks and strong jaws that can deliver a powerful bite if threatened.
In the video above, Zak used a net to safely handle the turtle and carefully directed it towards the water. Softshell turtles can become aggressive when they feel threatened, so it is important to handle them with care. Once the turtle was pointed in the right direction, it quickly made its way back to the waterway, where it submerged itself and swam away.
To watch the video referenced in the text, click here.
