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May 21, 2021
Ben here with the Friday edition of #BenInNature presented by our friends at Carter Bank & Trust!
Starting on Monday, I'll return to sharing critters that I've photographed right here in southwest Virginia. However, I'm going to share one last cool find from my recent vacation: a musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), photographed at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta, Georgia.
This turtle is also referred to as the "stinkpot," which seems a little harsh even if it does come by the name honestly. These turtles have the ability to release a foul smell from scent glands at the edge of the shell, most likely to deter predators!
These small turtles can be found throughout most of the eastern half of the U.S. They commonly live in wetlands with slow currents and muddy bottoms, and while they're mostly aquatic, they're surprisingly good climbers (as you can see in the photo).
Musk turtles are common throughout their range, although their populations have declined in some areas, most likely due to human impacts on wetlands. Because these turtles must build their nests on land, breeding females are at risk of getting struck by cars in developed areas.
If you happen to see a musk turtle crossing the road, exercise caution while moving it. They can extend their necks so far that they can reach their hind feet, and they don't hesitate to bite!
Thank you to VMNH Research Associate and member of the Virginia Herpetological Society Jason Gibson for identifying this turtle!
ABOUT #BenInNature
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. In this series of posts, Administrator of Science Ben Williams ventures outdoors to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world. New updates are posted Monday - Friday, with previous posts highlighted on the weekends. This series of posts is made possible thanks to the support of VMNH Corporate Partner Carter Bank & Trust (www.cbtcares.com).
NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS
If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture (please include location and date of picture) and we'll have our experts help you identify it!
