Tuesday at lunch time I was heading into the house when my husband called “Grab your camera! Look in the front pasture!” I was expecting deer or something.
As I got closer, he, of course, retreated into his shell. He was covered with duckweed. My son is calling “Don’t get too close!”
I moved around behind him where he could not see me and he came out and started moving steadily forward.
He was obviously heading for our swamp, out behind the shelter.
Once he got moving, he went with some purpose, ignoring me. I guess he figured out I wouldn’t bother him.
We’ve seen him off and on over the years. He lives in our neighbor’s (with the 10 acre piece we lease) pond. We wondered why he would leave it at this time of year.
Our swamp is not what it once was, with much more water flowing through. It’s not breeding season (I don’t think it is) and that’s a main reason for these guys to be moving during the year.
He was at least 18” long and my guess might have weighed 20 lbs. At his age, very sturdy thick legs and a heavy solid shell. The legs could have been 3½” in diameter. He was impressive!