DESCRIPTION

It’s been said that in your eyes I am the ugliest, the most primitive and the most frightening looking of all turtles. It may be due to my long serrated tail and my big head. Furthermore, as I get older my shell becomes covered with a thick layer of green algae. It’s great camouflage, but not great for my appearance. Nevertheless, take a good look at me, I also have charming qualities!

My breastplate, in the form of a cross, does not fully cover the underside of my body. On land therefore, I am more vulnerable to attack, as I cannot hide my head and my legs in my shell. But I know how to defend myself. I have powerful jaws and an impressive reach. My neck is almost half the length of my shell. Best leave me alone!

I am the largest freshwater turtle in Québec, as well as one of the two species that are fairly common in the province. But I am rarely seen as I hardly come out of the water unlike my cousins who leave the water to bask in the sun on rocks, fallen trunks or banks.

Gallery