This Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell turtle is native to fresh waters of the Florida panhandle. Notice his distinctive snout and the “pancake” pattern on his leathery carapace.
This turtle is mainly carnivorous, feeding on crayfish and other small aquatic life, and occasionally plants. What he lacks in bony defense, he makes up for in speed. His lighter shell allows him to more quickly in muddy water as well as on land.
Their very long necks and pointed snout are adapted for reaching fresh air without having to move from their hiding space.
Pancake, our resident softshell turtle, came to us as a surrendered pet.
A Long Tailed Skipper visited our Fire Bush
This cute craft is something we do every Summer with our campers. Getting them outside to find their perfect rock is only part of the fun. We let them have creative freedom over their designs, so they can paint their favorite little critter at the SNC. The results are cute paper weights like this!
Yknow the thing where red pandas just lay down on a branch and let their legs hang and they’re just like vibing
The Big Stump Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Colorado is centered around an Eocene aged lake in Colorado – making it 34 million years old. Because CO2 contents in the atmosphere were higher in the Eocene, the climate was warmer globally and the plants at this site record the difference.
Keep reading
https://sawgrassnaturecenter.org/2021/09/28/world-animal-day/
I have $24 to last me til Friday, what should I buy with it?
This little guy is an Eastern Screech Owl. Although small, he is considered fully grown. An eye injury sustained from a car collision keeps him from thriving in the wild on his own, so he will remain with the SNC as a permanent resident and educational ambassador.
The Eastern Screech Owl is considered a bird of prey. So its sharp talons and curved beak have adapted to ripping and tearing prey as opposed to the straight and long beak of something like a heron that has been adapted for fishing.
Raccoons like the pool to cool off, but they also use it to wash their hands and food.
Here's one for the reptile lovers out there. Our Bearded Dragon, Leonidas, eating his Valentines Day box of worms! Thank you to everyone who donated, we surpassed our goal!
The Sawgrass Nature Center (SNC) is a nonprofit located in South Florida. Our mission is to educate the public about native wildlife and environmental stewardship. We also rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife. Animals that cannot be released due to permanent injuries or disabilities are given a forever home on site with animal keepers that know how to properly care for them. We are able to operate due to donations from generous patrons. If you are interested in helping us further our mission, check us out at: https://sawgrassnaturecenter.org/
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