3/3 It’s rare to receive reports of released/escaped #pet #turtles found in winter due to their tendency to brumate during colder periods. We can be contacted throughout the year if someone finds a turtle and needs support or guidance.

#research #citizenscience #pond

2/3 They soon realised that this wasn’t the case as the turtle started to move, sticking its legs and head out. Reina reached out to us and was able to temporarily house till someone came to collect and rehome.

#nonnativespecies #invasivespecies #turtle #terrapin #reptile #winter #garden

Thank you to Andy for continued support and submissions of sightings each year.

Report sightings to www.turtletally.co.uk

#science #walk #Education #sun #pond #nonnative #animal #public #invasive #pet #citizenscience #nature #wildlife #sailing #paddleboarding #animal #GreenSpaces

You can clearly see the ridges (keel) running along the vertebral scutes on the top of the carapace (upper shell) and the distinct contour lines across the skin like topography on a map. They often have serrated marginal scutes (around the rear outer edges of the shell).

2/2 They can settle on top, the water is warmer here, be safe away from humans and they are still somewhat camouflaged.

Report sightings of released pet turtles to: www.turtletally.co.uk

#education #canal #nonnative #public #terrapin #wildlifephotography #invasive #river #turtle #park #greenspace

Thank you to Rochelle for this sighting. This often allows us to gain data in locations that are less urbanised and not by roads or footpaths where there’s higher numbers of people likely to see them.

Check out our website for more information on the project: www.turtletally.co.uk

3/3 We ask pet owners to rehome responsibly and seek out appropriate guidance and support if they can no longer care for their pet turtle. June has now been rehomed with our chelonian specialist, Paul Eversfield.

2/3 She measures 34cm length (head to tail) and weighs 8.4Kg, and is a released/escaped former pet. They’re extremely agile and capable of climbing if not kept in secure housing. Unfortunately, we do get annual reports, at Turtle Tally, of these larger turtles (Chinese softshells) in UK waterbodies.

Did you find them?

Several turtles are being found walking on land which will likely be females seeking to nest especially with the rain making the soil soft and more easy to dig.

#education #nonnative #terrapin #invasive #Turtle #pet #river #animals #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #nature #public #park