Meet the spiny softshell turtle, a true master of disguise and speed! 🐢💨 Here are a few things that make them so unique:
This leathery, sandpaper-shelled speed demon can rocket through the water at 15 mph! On land, they slow down to a more leisurely 3 mph.
Talk about unique breathing! They can breathe through their skin, throat, and yes—even their butt! 😮 This allows them to stay underwater for up to 5 hours. 🌊
Masters of camouflage, they bury themselves in the mud, with only their snout showing, to ambush unsuspecting prey. 🕵️♂️🤫
Females can get huge—up to 21 inches and 25 lbs—while the males stay much smaller. Some can live over 50 years! 📏👵
Keep an eye out for them all over the U.S. and into Mexico! You might spot one basking on a log or mudflat, soaking up the sun. ☀️😎
Photos By Stacy Holcomb
