Moon's Graden

I discovered a 6-inch turtle in my pond the other day.  I have seen it
twice since but each time it escapes into the deeper waters before I
have a good chance to look at it. I think it is brown-gray  with yellow
markings but I couldn't swear.

Where could this turtle have come from?  The closest creek is about a
quarter mile away, but the turtle would have to cross about 5 roads and
walk through a lot of pavement to get to my pond.  The only turtle I
have seen there (several years ago) was a snapping turtle.  Could my
turtle be a young snapping turtle?   If so how do I catch it (it is
pretty quick!)?

I have also heard of a guy in my neighborhood who has a  pond with
turtles.  But again he lives several roads away.

What else should I expect?  Whill I soon be overrun with baby turtles?
Will my baby fish get eaten?  My waterlilies? I apologize for this
turtle ignorance!

thanks, Ariela.

The best way to try and find out what kind of turtle you have is to fire up
your favorite search engine (mine is www.google.com) and type in 'turtles' and
the name of your state. You can try the word reptiles also.

I have two painted turtles in my 3,000 gallon pond that is heavily planted and
has lots of fish. I have never noticed any turtle damage. The turtles love koi
kibble and I always try and make sure they get some at feeding time.

As far as turtles in your pond, it really depends on the size of your pond, the
type of turtle and  how old the turtle is (excepting snappers - younger turtles
eat more protein than older turtles as a rule).

Snappers do the most damage in a pond. Bigger ponds can handle a turtle or two.

Let us know what you find out!

kathy-and-the-watergardening-labradors

Hi Kathy

Yes you are right.  There is a turtle page provided by the ***ia Fish and
Wildlife Information Service with pictures of all turtles in ***ina, their
distribution by county, life history, food habits  and lots more.  After reviewing
all the pictures I can only conclude that I am a very poor turtle witness, and I
would have to see it again to confirm identification.

I will report....

Ariela