Florida softshell turtles call many slow-moving freshwater bodies their home in the Southeastern United States and occur in 67 Florida Counties. This species is the largest softshell turtle species in the state and will often share habitats with their relative, the Gulf Coast softshell turtle. Florida softshell turtles have bumpy, leathery, oblong carapace with a gray-white plastron. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism where females are much larger than males.
Sometimes, female Florida softshells will lay their eggs in alligator nests instead of building their own. Researchers believe this strategy could stem from a lack of resources or available nesting sites and the tendency for alligators to protect their own nest, thus protecting the turtle eggs. Once the turtle leaves the nest, there is no further parental involvement. They are carnivores that not only hunt for prey but will scavenge for food. These turtles hide in the sandy, muddy bottoms of the water to ambush their prey.
Be wary when around these critters; as their scientific name suggests, Apalone ferox are ferocious and often show aggression in the form of biting and scratching if threatened. Humans will harvest Florida softshell turtles for meat in South Florida as well as the pet trade. Although turtle harvesting occurs from the wild, their populations are stable.
For More Information:
Photo by Alison McDowell
