The Florida softshell turtle

The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) looks like it was designed by someone who had heard about turtles secondhand. Like all turtles, its vertebrae are attached to the shell, but unlike most turtles the carapace is flattened and leathery, giving it the speed and flexibility to move through freshwater environments that are also full of American alligators.

Female softshells can reach lengths of over two feet — double the size of the largest males. Mating occurs from March to May, with nesting from March to July. A typical nest holds up to 24 ping-pong-sized eggs, and females can lay several nests in a year, making them the most prolific egg-laying reptiles in North America. Incubation takes about two to three months.

In addition to the soft shell, the turtle has a long, snorkel-like neck and, despite a lack of teeth, can inflict a powerful bite. Its species name, ferox, means ferocious. Escorting a softshell off a road can be difficult: the plastron, the underside of the shell, is minimal, which gives them the flexibility to reach back and bite the hands that are helping them. They give snapping turtles a run for their money. They can also release a foul musk from their cloacae to fend off predators.

We see this turtle most commonly on the airboat ride, and occasionally digging a nest in the soft shoulder of the highway.