Rare Endangered Turtle

While exploring the shores of the Thames River here in London, Gillian and I stumbled across a very unusual looking creature. A spotted turtle that was as flat as a pancake. I figured that it was probably not a native species to Ontario, and attempted to catch it. The little turtle proved to be quite the escape artist and slipped out of my hand and buried itself in the mud.

Once we got back to our apartment, I did some investigating online. It turns out that we had encountered a very rare turtle that is native to Ontario, but is a threatened species throughout the province. The turtle is known as a spiny softshell turtle and is usually found in slow-moving muddy rivers and soft-bottomed bays and ponds.

Spiny soft shell turtle

4 Comments
August 6, 2006 by Clive Mathias

Filed Under: Adventures, Canada, Freshwater, Non-Fishing, Oddities, Thames River
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4 Comments on “Rare Endangered Turtle...”

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  • avatar David C dAvies
    2 years, 5 months ago #

    I was just wondering if this turtle could be found in the Ohio River around Wheeling WV. Because I caught two turtles today on 8/28/09 behind my parents house that looked just like this picture on the website. If this is a rare and endangered turtle, Should I call my local conservation if I happen to catch them again and keep them in a live well container.

    Thanks Dave

  • avatar Clive Mathias
    2 years, 5 months ago #

    My understanding is that it is endangered in Ontario, but may not be in your area. Its worth giving the local conservationist a call to find out for sure. I wouldn’t capture them though, they are best left untouched.

  • avatar Lauren
    2 years ago #

    Are they rare in Indiana? My brother was fishing one day and find a spiny softshell turtle stuck in a net and gave it to me. I’ve had him for about half year now.

  • avatar nate
    7 months, 2 weeks ago #

    just came cross this turtle on the thames. it was much bigger and was laying eggs. never seen one like this before. very rare indeed. i guess people make turtle soup out of them in asia

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