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Spiny Soft-shell Turtle”
(Spiny Soft-shell)
(featured in 2007 WV DNR Wildlife Calendar)
The Eastern spiny soft- shell turtle is named for the numerous small bumps on the front edge of the shell or carapace. The carapace length reaches 18 inches and is tan to olive in color with numerous black-bordered spots. Spiny soft shells are totally aquatic, only coming out of water to lay eggs or bask briefly in the sun. They inhabit small creeks, rivers, ponds, or lakes Mating occurs in April or May with egg deposition occurring in June or July. Eggs usually hatch in late summer to autumn. Similar to other soft shell turtle species, the Eastern spiny has a soft, flattened, pancake-shaped carapace which is not covered with scale-like plates. Soft-shells have a long, thin snout and are quick to bite. The Eastern spiny can be found in West Virginia west of the Allegheny Mountains in large bodies of water.