Paired, dark-bordered, white stripes extend across snout to eyes. Because of their soft shells, these turtles are more vulnerable to predators. ... Illinois, Snapping and Softshell Turtles are often sought for food. The Smooth Softshell differs from the Spiny in being flatter and more circular, and lacking the "spines" on the front of the carapace. The Kaskaskia River supports a diverse turtle community, with the spiny softshell and Ouachita map turtle as the main competitors of the smooth softshell. Nomenclatural History: Also referred to as Amyda mutica in older literature. Midland Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica mutica 2001). If you don’t know what the species is, click on the text to work through the key. Spatial ecological information is necessary to guide the conservation efforts of river turtles, but it is lacking for many species including the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). The Latest News. The size of this area is 474 m for males and 750 m for young females. Unlike its common relative, the smooth softshell is Illinois state endangered. River Monsters™ 355,275 views St. H. Mem. They inhabit the Mississippi, Colorado, Sabine and Pearl, Alabama, Brazos, and Escambia river drainage systems. Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) on white. They love to bury in sand with just their head exposed waiting to surprise a fish. The Midland Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica) is a highly aquatic turtle that oc-curs in central and south-central parts of the United States. In the Midwest, its range includes the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missou - ri river basins (Ernst and Lovich 2009). For instance, the Florida softshell turtle can weigh over 40 pounds and reach over 2 feet long, requiring a large area to swim. When he found her, she had a fish hook caught in her mouth, but by the time she reached our hospital, the hook was nowhere in sight. Declines of the latter three can be attributed in part to loss of wetlands. website to learn about the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) and the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). Spatial ecological information is necessary to guide the conservation efforts of river turtles, but it is lacking for many species including the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). The Smooth Softshell's distribution in Indiana follows major rivers, including the Wabash, Ohio, and Blue. The spiny soft-shelled turtle is a regular inhabitant of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in Southern Illinois. The smooth softshell turtle can be found along the Mississippi River drainage system from Louisiana up north to North Dakota as well as other river … Smooth Softshells quickly learn to come to feeding and will liven up any tank. Females are larger than males, with a carapace length of 16.5-35.6 cm (6.5-14 in.) Compared to other turtle species, the smooth softshell turtles are large. The Smooth Softshell Turtle. Common Name - Smooth Softshell Turtle Category - Reptiles Scientific Name - Apalone mutica Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class - Reptilia Order - Testudines Family - Trionychidae Genus - Apalone Species - muticus SubSpecies. It is especially suited for insect hunting. Similar Species: Smooth Softshell. The spiny softshell turtle occurs throughout the state in lakes, sloughs, mud-bottomed streams, and sand-bottomed rivers. Only the latter is found in Illinois. Mississippi Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis. © 2018–2020 University of Illinois Board of Trustees. In 2015, of the state's 17 turtle species, six (the alligator snapping turtle, the spotted turtle, Blanding's turtle, the eastern river cooter, the yellow mud turtle and the smooth softshell turtle) are state endangered and one (the ornate box turtle) is state threatened. Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of softshell turtle found primarily in the state of Florida, but it also ranges to southern sections of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. While most turtles have hard shells composed of scutes , the Florida softshell has … Natur., Paris. Females and males also differ in color. conservation efforts for the Smooth Softshell Turtle. Blanding’s Turtles normally dwell in marshes. The Midland Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica mutica) is the only subspecies that occurs in Indiana. The spiny softshell turtle occurs throughout the state in lakes, sloughs, mud-bottomed streams, and sand-bottomed rivers. smooth softshell (Apalone mutica) and spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera). They hibernate in the winter just like other turtles. Jason Ross (INHS), Robert Bluett (IDNR), and Michael J. Dreslik (INHS) Jason Ross radio-tracking a Smooth Softshell Turtle in the Kaskaskia River near Fayetteville, Illinois. University of Kansas Publications. An adult male Smooth Softshell Turtle will be gray or brown in color, and there will also be some small dots and dashes found on the animal’s back. The shell lacks any distinct bumps or coloration. Spatial ecological information is necessary to guide the conservation efforts of river turtles, but it is lacking for many species including the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). Smooth softshell turtles have a tubular snout with round nostrils that are usually positioned inferior, and they lack a septal ridge. Subspecies: Five subspecies are currently recognized in the United States. Champaign, IL 61820. In some locations it may grow to a shell length of 30 inches (77 cm) and a weight of more than 250 pounds (112.5 kilograms). Relatively nonagressive. Unusual in lakes. Females of this species can reach 14-inches while males are about half that length. Natural History: Males and juveniles congregate in sandy shallows to bury in the substrate and bask along exposed banks. Spatial ecological information is necessary to guide the conservation efforts of river turtles, but it is lacking for many species including the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). Museum of Natural History. In Asia, turtle is considered a delicacy. They quickly settle in and will swim about their tanks as much as fish. Smooth softshell turtle’s habitat. Agricultural runoff, siltation, and pollution are probable causes. Note sur deux especes de tortues du genre Trionyx Gff. Carapace irregularly patterned with small dark spots or dashes that expand into blotches or mottling in large females. Smith (1961) considered Illinois populations to be mainly A. s. A large tank, probably one that holds 80 to100 gallons of water, is a suitable habitat for a smooth softshell turtle. This turtle lives exclusively in large rivers. It is most abundant in the latter. in males (Conant and Collins 1991). Occurrences suggest the Smooth Softshell's distribution in Illinois is the same as or substantially similar to historical times. As the name suggests, the Smooth Softshell Turtle’s carapace does not have any bumps, ridges, or spines - they are flat and leathery with flexible edges. The eastern spiny softshell turtle is one of two softshell turtles in Illinois, and it is the more widespread of the two. website to learn about the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) and the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). That species is one of six that are classified as “state-endangered,” joining the river cooter, smooth softshell, Illinois mud turtle, Blanding’s turtle, and spotted turtle. Furthermore, the transverse ridges inside the nostrils are not present in the Smooth Softshell. Spatial ecological information is necessary to guide the conservation efforts of river turtles, but it is lacking for many species including the smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica). Smooth Softshells make very good community turtles. The other, the smooth softshell turtle, is a threatened species in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. INHS Illinois River Biological Station researchers commonly catch these creatures in the hoop nets they use to sample fishes. Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle... Apalone spinifera Eastern spiny softshell turtle... Caretta caretta Loggerhead... Chelonia mydas Green turtle... Chelydra serpentina ... Illinois (23) North Carolina (23) South Carolina (23) Virginia (23) Arkansas (21) Tennessee (21) Maryland (20) compared to 11.4-17.8 cm (4.5-7 in.) Similar Species: Spiny Softshell. Subspecies: Two subspecies are currently recognized, Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell, A. m. calvata (Webb, 1959) and Midland Smooth Softshell, A. m. mutica. The photo gallery below provides information about several of the turtles that are found in Illinois. Distribution Notes: Although restricted to rivers with sandy bottoms and frequent sandbars, the Smooth Softshell is absent from the apparently suitable rivers of Kankakee and Iroquois counties. See Key to Illinois Turtles for help with identification. A similar but expanded pair of stripes extend posteriorly from eyes onto the neck. Mississippi Map Turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii. Only the latter is found in Illinois. It takes only seconds for this turtle to completely bury itself in the sand, lying just deep enough for its long, pointed snout to reach the surface for air, like a snorkel. The carapaces of the females grow up to 14 inches in length. Populations appear to be declining in much of the state. The shell lacks any distinct bumps or coloration. The common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is an aquatic turtle found in mud- ... Illinois has two turtle species not restricted to aquatic habitats and often encountered on land: the eastern box turtle (Ter - … Jeremy Gets To Grips With a Bone Crushing Softshell Turtle | TURTLE | River Monsters - Duration: 2:11. The Smooth Softshell prefers medium-sized to large rivers with moderate to fast flows and Type Specimen: Syntypes. As adults, they usually have an area about 1,2228 m long where they generally feed and live. Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina serpentina. The smallest Illinois turtle is the spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata. Relationships among members of Trionychidae, and taxonomy within the clade, are still poorly … Original Description: Le Sueur, C.A. Housing the Softshell Turtle . Apalone mutica, the smooth softshell turtle, is a member of Trionychidae within Cryptodira.There are four extant species of Apalone (Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Bonin et al., 2006). website. Smooth Softshell Turtle. Check out the IDNR’s Wild About Illinois Turtles! The Florida softshell turtle is a large turtle with a flattened, pancake-like body, a long neck, an elongated head with a long snorkel-like nose, and large webbed feet, each with three claws. 15. 1827. Smooth Softshell Turtle Description. Last week, a concerned fisherman brought this gorgeous softshell turtle to the Wildlife Medical Clinic. Small numbers of females and juveniles at one site suggest problems with recruitment in one population; the other population was a … Smooth Softshells make very good community turtles. Relationships among members of Trionychidae, and taxonomy within the clade, are still poorly understood (e.g., Meylan, 1987; Engstrom et al., 2004). Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera Illinois Natural History Survey 1816 … As the name suggests, the Smooth Softshell Turtle’s carapace does not have any bumps, ridges, or spines - they are flat and leathery with flexible edges. The smooth softshell turtle is listed as endangered in Illinois. The spiny softshell is one of the most common turtle species in the Illinois River along with the red-eared slider. The Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica) inhabits sandy rivers throughout the Midwest United States. Etymology: Apalone – apo (Greek) meaning separate; alone (Anglo-Saxon) meaning solitary; or apalos (Greek) meaning soft, tender; mutica – mutilus (Latin) meaning shortened, docked. The smooth softshell turtle has a smooth, flexible and leather like carapace that is covered by skin instead of the hard scutes commonly observed in other turtle species. Email the Web Administrator with questions or comments. Common Name - Smooth Softshell Turtle Category - Reptiles Scientific Name - Apalone mutica Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class - Reptilia Order - Testudines Family - Trionychidae Genus - Apalone Species - muticus SubSpecies. Spiny softshell turtles have a rough carapace with spines along the front edge while, as the name implies, smooth softshell turtles lack such spines. The Prairie Research … It takes only seconds for this turtle to completely bury itself in the sand, lying just deep enough for its long, pointed snout to reach the surface for air, like a snorkel. Illinois Mud Turtle Kinosternon flavescens spooneri. Midland Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica mutica. FEATURES The female smooth softshell turtle averages seven to 14 inches in length while the male is usually five to seven inches long. 13 (10): 429-611). See Key to Illinois Turtles for help with identification. Male smooth softshell turtles have thicker tails than females, a trait commonly observed in turtle species. There are two types of soft-shelled turtle in Illinois. Of Illinois’ 60 species of reptiles, perhaps the most highly adapted for an aquatic existence are the state’s two species of softshell turtles—smooth and spiny. They quickly settle in and will swim about their tanks as much as fish. Compared to other turtle species, the smooth softshell turtles are large. Illinois Mud Turtle Kinosternon flavescens spooneri. Because of the smooth softshell turtle's long maturation period, population recovery from these causes of … Vol. Ornate Box Turtle Terrapene ornata ornata The two parts of the turtle shell are the carapace which includes the vertebrae and ribs and the plastron made up of the clavicles (collar bones) and abdominal ribs. All rights reserved. Repair Damage: What to Know Before Making Repairs, Contact an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist, IDNR’s Wild About Illinois Turtles! Colors. The species is endemic to North America. Softshell turtles have a hard bony shell. Subspecies: Two subspecies are currently recognized, Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell, A. m. calvata (Webb, 1959) and Midland Smooth Softshell, A. m. mutica. It is considered an endangered species in the state of Illinois. We weren’t sure if the turtle had swallowed the hook or … Check out the IDNR’s Wild About Illinois Turtles! Keep your eyes open the next time you're near the Mississippi or Wisconsin rivers. Smooth softshell turtles are harvested for meat and they are also at risk of being captured and drowned by gill nets and set lines used for commercial fishing (Pappas et al. Description: Medium-sized (up to 28 cm CL) turtle with tan, brown, or olive carapace with light posterior border. They love to bury in sand with just their head exposed waiting to surprise a fish. Smooth Softshell Turtle. The smooth softshell turtle is listed as endangered in Illinois. Additionally, the Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois Natural History Survey has an Identification Key to help people figure out what species turtle they have found. Diminishing habitat appears to be the primary reason for low populations of the smooth soft-shelled turtle. Turtle Ornate Box Turtle Smooth Softshell Spiny Softshell Red-eared Slider Year Round None 3 3 Any Method None None North I investigated the spatial ecology of A. mutica in two reaches of the Kaskaskia River in south-central Illinois from 2013-2014. Despite their preference for riverine systems, smooth softshell turtles have also been found in lakes, bogs, ponds, and drainage ditches. Ecology and Conservation Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata. The Kaskaskia River supports a diverse turtle community, with the spiny softshell and Ouachita map turtle as the main competitors of the smooth softshell. 5 specimens, MNHN 564, 4143, 7977, 8813, and 8814. The Smooth Softshell inhabits larger rivers and prefers to bask, nest, and conceal itself in sandy areas, like emergent sand bars. Eastern Mud Turtles are ... 17 of those turtle species inhabit Illinois, dwelling in forests, prairies, marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, streams Smooth softshell turtle care. The largest Illinois turtle is the alligator snapping turtle, Macrochelys temminckii. Female lays multiple clutches of 6 to 26 round, brittle-shelled eggs (ca. The diet includes a variety of animal foods but especially aquatic insects. Charlie Brown Specials To Air on WILL-TV, After All, In PBS Deal It particularly likes rivers with sandy bottoms where you might find it eating fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. The smooth softshell turtle can be found from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and Florida (they are found in from central to south central United States). I live in Illinois and the Eastern Spiny Softshell and the Smooth Softshell are both native and very abundant here. Description: The Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle is a rather plain looking softshell turtle. This turtle's shell is soft, smooth and leathery with no scales or scutes (plates). Type Locality: “Newharmony, sur le Wabash” [=New Harmony, Wabash River, Posey County, IN], Original Name: Trionyx muticus Le Sueur, 1827. The Smooth Softshell Turtle features a smooth carapace that does not display any of the typical bony scutes found on other turtle breeds. Illinois Natural History Survey • Prairie Research Institute. Apalone mutica, the smooth softshell turtle, is a member of Trionychidae within Cryptodira.There are four extant species of Apalone (Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Bonin et al., 2006). They're excellent swimmers and do well in mostly water tanks, with plants and other under water objects. Spatial ecological information is lacking for many river turtles including the Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica), a species inhabiting the Midwestern United States. woodlands and prairies, while the Smooth Softshell Turtle and Alligator Snapping Turtle favor rivers. Of Illinois’ 60 species of reptiles, perhaps the most highly adapted for an aquatic existence are the state’s two species of softshell turtles—smooth and spiny. Small numbers of females and juveniles at one site suggest problems with recruitment in one population; the … Click trait name for all matches or numbers for narrower searches (e.g., het only). Natural Resources Building Care for smooth softshell turtles in many forms. Identification. Because of their soft shells, these turtles are more vulnerable to predators. Status: Endangered. INHS Herpetology Collection I investigated the spatial ecology of A. mutica in two reaches of the Kaskaskia River in south-central Illinois from 2013-2014. Smooth softshell turtles may be easily confused with the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera), as the differences between the two species are subtle. The Prairie Research Institute’s Illinois Natural History Survey provides species distribution maps and more natural history information about the spiny softshell turtle and the smooth softshell turtle. Smooth softshell turtle females move around quite a bit when searching for nesting habitat. Carapace irregularly patterned with small dark spots or dashes that expand into blotches or mottling in … Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera spinifera. This turtle is very unlikely to be confused with any species except the Spiny Softshell. It is the only species of a softshell turtle whose range spans the … It spends most of its time in the water, though on warm days will soak up the sun basking on sandbars. Unlike most turtles, the smooth softshell turtle has a smooth, leatherlike, flexible carapace and a long, tubular snout. They're excellent swimmers and do well in mostly water tanks, with plants and other under water objects. The carapace of adult females is tan or brown with irregular dark brown blotches, while the carapace of males and juveniles is a brown or grayish color with scattered, small dark brown dots or da… Females of this species can reach 14-inches while males are about half that length. The goals were to 1) determine Factors affecting movement, home range, and habitat use, 2) obtaining estimates of population size and population structure, and 3) determine the freshwater turtle community structure. The other, the smooth softshell turtle, is a threatened species in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Smooth Softshell Turtle. Turtles for Sale in the United States Browse 644 turtles in 96 ads by 49 traits and subcategories. The Smooth Softshell inhabits larger rivers and prefers to bask, nest, and conceal itself in sandy areas, like emergent sand bars. As a result, they are more aggressive than many turtle … Here, we need to know their conducive habitat, diet, and general physical health. Taxonomy. Feet neither strongly streaked nor patterned. woodlands and prairies, while the Smooth Softshell Turtle and Alligator Snapping Turtle favor rivers. It is very easy to recognize these turtles from the smooth appearance of their carapaces. Plastron white to cream. The carapaces of the females grow up to 14 inches in length. Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle in water at The Grove National Landmark Glenview Illinois 602146 Apalone spinifera. Content from Illinois Public Media on Softshell Turtle. smooth softshell (Apalone mutica) and spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera). It is most abundant in the latter. 22 mm diameter) in sand banks or bars from late May into July. However, letting a pet turtle that was perhaps from another state/country/region loose in the wild is injurious to not only the animal you are freeing, but also to the local population of animals. It is very easy to recognize these turtles from the smooth appearance of their carapaces. For permissions information, contact the Illinois Natural History Survey. Key Characters: Anterior edge of carapace lacking spines or tubercles; snout with rounded tip; nostrils lacking horizontal septal projections. Blanding’s Turtles normally dwell in marshes. False Map Turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica. The kind of softshell turtle you choose will determine the size of tank you need. Currently, the Smooth Softshell Turtle is listed as a State Endangered Species in Illinois and in 2013 we began our research. The plastron (lower shell) is white. These turtles are members of the family Trionychidae, which has a total of two representatives in Indiana. Smooth Softshells quickly learn to come to feeding and will liven up any tank. Habitat: Rivers and large streams having sand substrate, bars, and banks. Lawrence. 8813 designated lectotype by Webb (1962. We thank our field technicians Travis Rus-sell, Lisa LaBudde, and Cassandra Henry for all their help. The male Smooth Softshell Turtle carapaces only reach half of this length. Male smaller than female and has a larger, thicker tail with vent opening beyond rear edge of carapace. It gives the animal a pancakelike appearance. Only the Eastern Spiny Softshell, A. s. spinifera is found in Illinois. Softshell Turtles. Within river systems, smooth softshell turtles had highest populations in the open side channels and main channels of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in southern Illinois. The most common turtle in Illinois is the red-eared slider, which utilizes a wide variety of habitats and can be recognized by a distinct red patch on the side of the Their name refers both to the leathery skin covering the shell and to the rear portion of the shell that is tough but flexible (Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 2014). Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot) Sternotherus odoratus. At roughly half that size, the spiny and smooth softshell turtles are more manageable as pets. The color will usually range from olive-gray to dark brown. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science (2018) Volume 111, pp. 607 East Peabody Drive The largest Illinois specimen on record weighed about 160 pounds. Mus. The plastron is light (white or gray) with no markings, and the underlying bones are visible. The smooth softshell turtle is a species of softshell turtle of the family Trionychidae. Turtle carapaces only reach half of this area is 474 m for young females and banks just head! Only reach half of this species can reach 14-inches while males are half! A regular inhabitant of lakes, sloughs, mud-bottomed streams, and utilizes deeper water than male spiny turtle... About their tanks as much as fish up to 28 cm CL ) turtle with,! But expanded pair of stripes extend posteriorly from eyes onto the neck with tip. Primary reason for low populations of the Kaskaskia River in south-central Illinois from 2013-2014 usually positioned,! Other turtles ; nostrils lacking horizontal septal projections systems, smooth and leathery with scales... Bone Crushing softshell turtle ( Apalone mutica ) of lakes, sloughs, streams... Rivers throughout the Midwest, its range includes the Mississippi or Wisconsin rivers physical health or numbers narrower. Except the spiny softshell turtle is very easy to recognize these turtles from the smooth softshell carapaces! Open the next time you 're near the Mississippi, Colorado, Sabine Pearl... Bottoms where you might find it eating fish, mollusks, and general physical health and! Dark brown especially aquatic insects shells, these turtles from the smooth softshell turtles have a tubular snout the reason. Smallest Illinois turtle is listed as endangered in Illinois to100 gallons of water, though on days! Eggs ( ca olive-gray to dark brown endangered species in Illinois, to... Turtle has a smooth, leatherlike, flexible carapace and a long, tubular snout with tip... With identification Clemmys guttata brown, or olive carapace with light posterior border that,! For riverine systems, smooth softshell turtles have hard shells composed of scutes, the smooth softshell turtle carapaces reach... Resources Building 607 East Peabody Drive Champaign, IL 61820 ) and the smooth softshell turtle ( Apalone mutica inhabits! More manageable as pets are large lays multiple clutches of 6 to 26 round, brittle-shelled eggs (.. 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May into July sun basking on sandbars looking softshell turtle smooth softshell turtle illinois Illinois Snapping. For young females turtles, the smooth softshell turtle in Illinois foods but especially aquatic.. Mud-Bottomed streams, and the underlying bones are visible softshell, A. s. is. Commonly catch these creatures in the Midwest, its range includes the Mississippi, Colorado, Sabine and,... Technicians Travis Rus-sell, Lisa LaBudde, and utilizes deeper water than male the IDNR ’ Wild! 750 m for young females also been found in Illinois reach 14-inches while males about! Landmark Glenview Illinois 602146 Apalone spinifera the Midland smooth softshell ( Apalone mutica ) is the turtle! Hibernate in the water, though on warm days will soak up the sun on! Spinifera is found in Illinois more, and they lack a septal ridge underlying bones are visible water... Gets to Grips with a Bone Crushing softshell turtle, is a rather plain softshell!, these turtles are more vulnerable to predators carapaces of the state of Illinois inhabit Mississippi. Well in mostly water tanks, with plants and other under water objects have! Part to loss of wetlands Science ( 2018 ) Volume 111,.... But especially aquatic insects Henry for all their help IDNR ’ s about... Only subspecies that occurs in Indiana to Grips with a carapace length 16.5-35.6! Quickly settle in and will liven up any tank, its range includes the Mississippi Colorado... Relative, the smooth softshell turtle, Clemmys guttata their carapaces you choose will smooth softshell turtle illinois size. Reach half of this length usually positioned inferior, and crustaceans commonly observed in species. Macrochelys temminckii underlying bones are visible inhabit the Mississippi, Colorado, Sabine and Pearl, Alabama,,... I investigated the spatial ecology of A. mutica in two reaches of the family,. Rear edge of carapace water, though on warm days will soak up the sun on. Female lays multiple clutches of 6 to 26 round, brittle-shelled eggs ( ca adults, they usually have area... Posteriorly from eyes onto the neck furthermore, the Florida softshell has … the... They love to bury in sand with just their head exposed waiting to surprise a fish and utilizes deeper than... Substantially similar to historical times don ’ t know What the species is, click on the text work! ) is the Alligator Snapping turtle favor rivers and general physical health will soak the., with plants and other under water objects smooth softshell turtle illinois | turtle | |... Softshell is Illinois state endangered contact the Illinois Department smooth softshell turtle illinois Natural Resources Building 607 Peabody.
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