TURTLES

Growing up I had two painted turtles as pets. I decided to give them to a family that had a pond, so I hope they are still living their best life rather than being in a tank! In college, I helped care for a small box turtle. We all thought it was a tortoise! Nowadays, to see turtles I walk down the Eerie Canal tow path. My husband and I love to count how many turtles we can see sunbathing on logs. I get so excited when I see them! We always get out of our car to help them across the road.

Facts about Turtles-

• All tortoises are turtles but not all turtles are tortoise.

• Turtles are some of the oldest animals living up to 150 years.

• Turtle’s shell is not exoskeleton. The shell is modified rib cage.

• In some species, turtle’s sex is determined by the temperature. Lower temps lead to males while higher temps lead to females.

• Turtles can hold their breath for more than 30 mins. Sea turtles can hold their breath for hours but can still drown! They must come up for air, so when they are stuck in fishing nets they’ll drown if they can’t make it to the surface.

• Turtles can swim while tortoise are exclusively land animals.

• Turtles have no ears but sense vibrations.

• Baby turtles can send signals to each other before their hatch to synchronize their hatch together.

• Turtles cry to expel extra salt from their body and to clean their eyes.

• Turtles can breathe through their butt holes. The cloaca is a combination of their anus and gills.