For once I had my camera with me when I needed it. I saw this turtle just lying there on the sidewalk as I walked around the lake with Gizzy this morning. At first I thought it got hurt - like maybe someone ran over it because it was so flat - then I went closer (keeping Gizzy away for safe measure) and it had a face exactly like a gopher and I thought to myself: Oh, that's what a gopher turtle looks like...I had never seen such a turtle before. So, I stuck around, thinking someone is bound to drive by that can help me move him away from the street because I didn't want him to get flattened even more ;-) Meanwhile, I spritzed him with a little water since it was kind of hot and I always carry water with me when walking....he just sort of blinked at the water and looked at me in an irritated, bored sort of way. Finally, this big black truck comes along and the young man inside said: "What have you got?" I told him and he said it was a soft shell turtle and he will: "bite my finger right off" .... hmmm....but, why does he have a face like a gopher, I asked to which he replied once more: "he'll bite your finger right off" .... ok! He went back to his truck and grabbed a wooden oar to scoot him out of harm's way and boy, was I surprised: This little sucker could run! He was practically hydroplaning along the asphalt - he was flapping his feet so quickly it looked as if he had a dozen of them....really cool and weird looking!
I said to the young man, I wonder what he was doing sitting right here and the man speculated that someone was probably trying to catch him and kill him (no surprise as people here eat just about anything!) and as the turtle went back down to the creek, I thanked the young stranger for helping me and I moseyed on home realizing that I was only wearing my flip flops and standing rather close to that turtle not knowing how fast he could run: "He could a bit my toe right off!"
17 comments:
You and Gizzy have some really interesting adventures. Glad to know that neither you nor Gizzy got bit either in the finger, the toe or the paw.
As for the camera...I never seem to have my camera handy when I need it either. Lately I have been taken it along more, probably because I always look for some good pictures for the blog.
Have a great rest of the day,
Erika
Sounds to me like you were lucky to get away with your toes.
Well, I think you saved this little turtle's life. Good thing it was you who came along and very good thing he didn't bite off your finger (or your toe!).
Oh Doris....that guy coulda done some damage to your feet or hands....yikes. I caught on when I was a kid on a fishing line, my Daddy Jack (grandfather) gave me a big ole lecture about leaving them be and giving them a wide berth. Glad you and your cute little toes and Gizzy and his sweet little everythings didn't get an even more up close encounter with that critter. The Olde Bagg
We have never seen a flat turtle. What did Gizzy think of him? TD met a turtle face to face once and he thought he was a pretty nice friend. Nice of you to help get him to safety.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Oh my gosh - that was such a cute story. Nice of the young man to help. And everyone has all their fingers and toes. sandie
What an adventure!! I loved reading this and am so glad you had your camera! I can't even go to the gas station anymore wihout mine! I wonder why he didn't run from you and Gizzy right away?
I always thought turtles were rather slow! I'm glad you and the stranger were able to get him out of the way.
What an interesting story!! Sure glad you didn't get your toesies bit off!!
What an odd looking turtle! Glad he didn't bite you or Gizzy!!
Glad you didn't touch him...you need all those fingers for crocheting!
Wow! You were so lucky he wan't feeling grumpy, he might have had your toes for lunch Lol.. :))
What a neat experience! I bet he was very grateful you saved him from close death! Great work missy!
I've never seen that sort of turtle before... I'm glad he got safely off the path & to his creekside home!
:)
Okay - I read this yesterday and I was pretty sure I left a comment - just helping you test. sandie
Great story, Doris. We used to have a 60 gallon tank with assorted fish and turtles, and we had a soft shell just like the one in your picture! They are really neat turtles, they "glide" in the water, to. I'm glad he didn't bite your feet, or "the dust" so to speak.....
And I'm so jealous you were out walking!
We have been leaving comments but when we check back, they are gone. Hope it gets resolved. You are in our thoughts during these tough times. Hang in there.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
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