Species Reptiles & AmphibiansFlorida Softshell Turtle

Florida Softshell Turtle

Apalone ferox

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox)
Safety note: Powerful bite — keep away

The Florida Softshell Turtle is the largest softshell turtle in North America, with females reaching 2 feet. It is highly aquatic and buries itself in sand or mud. It is frequently eaten in the Southeast.

Habitat
Ponds, lakes, canals, and slow rivers in Florida and surrounding states
Diet
Fish, invertebrates, frogs, and aquatic vegetation
How common
Common

Best time to see a Florida Softshell Turtle

The best time to see a Florida Softshell Turtle is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,768 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Florida Softshell Turtle sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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