This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Image of the Week #24, January 2nd, 2011:
From:In case you forget, softshell turtles are insanely weird by Darren Naish at Tetrapod Zoology.
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Original source: Darren Naish
This is not a picture of a tired red velvet pillow left out in the rain, nor is it the remains of the prime rib left out from your New Year’s feast. It is a soft shell turtle of the species Apalone ferox, native to the southeastern United States. Despite appearances, this species can be quite fast on its feet. It also does a killer cannonball.