Florida Soft Shell/Snapping Turtle???

[Keeblercop]

http://miami.ebayclassifieds.com/other-pets/miami/snapping-turtle/?ad=28294761&msg=OUT_OF_AREA

I'm fairly certain this is not a snapping turtle as I have seen my share.......Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like a Florida Soft Shell or something similar??

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

People in Florida often call softshell turtles "snappers," because like the true snapping turtles, they can bite you if not handled properly. But yes, you are correct: this is the native Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox).

PS - "Ferox" is Latin for "ferocious," so watch out!

 

[Holycow]

Yep. This is what we call a "Florida softshell." And the post above is correct, they are not afraid to bite the **** out of you if you handle them improperly.
CHOMP!

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Softshells are also probably the most agile turtles I've ever seen. I approached a big female sitting on the shore once, and when she got scared, she actually jumped a good distance and sprinted back to the water. That's right, I said jumped and sprinted. Amazing!

 

[Keeblercop]

Hopefully someone can give him/her a good home...was just passing ad along.

 

[DeanS]

Are you sure it's a Florida...and not a Smooth? Floridas can grow to almost 3' long...while Smooths are about half of that. Just saying!

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Are you sure it's a Florida...and not a Smooth? Floridas can grow to almost 3' long...while Smooths are about half of that. Just saying!

Hey, even big creatures have to start small.

 

[Holycow]

Are you sure it's a Florida...and not a Smooth? Floridas can grow to almost 3' long...while Smooths are about half of that. Just saying!

Hey, even big creatures have to start small.

It's a Florida softshell. The Smooth softshells are usually lighter in color... and have spots. The Floridas are darker and more oval shaped. At least in my experience.
--Jeff