Species:
Pseudemys peninsularis
Peninsula Cooter
December 27, 2000
Fairchild Tropical Garden, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida


This turtle was milling about in a large shallowish pond along with some Florida softshell turtles, begging for handouts from visitors. It's a sad sight to see a turtle beg, and not one I ever expected.
September 20, 2001
Blue Springs State Park, Volusia County, Florida

This tiny turtle was about ten feet below me on a log on the river's edge. The ornateness of the shell pattern makes me fairly certain that this is Pseudemys peninsularis and not Pseudemys nelsoni, which generally has a much simpler pattern.
December 27, 2002
Fairchild Tropical Garden, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida

These turtles are generally wary on shore, ready to live up to their names and slide back into the water at the slightest disturbance. This one must have been really enjoying the pleasant day because it let me sneak up quite close.
February 4, 2004
Fairchild Tropical Garden, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida

Yet another badly-lit shot of a Peninsula Cooter about to slide into the pond if I try to sneak around to the proper side.
April 3, 2010
Corkscrew Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary, Collier County, Florida

I noticed this floating turtle while scouring the floating water plants, unsuccessfully looking for water snakes. Consolation prize!


