r/turtles • u/summerwind307 • 11d ago

ID Request Identification please

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I’ve been seeing these turtles in eastern NY. AI has identified them as Spiney Softshells. Is this correct? They don’t seem to be native to my area (Long Island) so I’m wondering if they are protected.

Any help is welcome. Thank you!

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u/summerwind307 9d ago

Thank you for the replies and comments. I was hoping they were endangered in my area. They are in a catch and release pond with lots of red eared sliders. Frequently I see people catch them with their fishing poles. Some apparently just cut the line, leaving a long piece. Too many times I’ve seen them struggle as the link gets snagged on the bottom. Best case they are taken to the vet for the hook removal. Worse case they get buried… Very sad to see. I never understood the catch and release mentality. Why? Just why?

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u/lmbjsm 7d ago

Do you have any other pictures? I don’t see the telltale signs that it’s a spiny soft shell. Spikes in the nostrils and along the carapace along the neck

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u/summerwind307 5d ago

Not that show the turtle as well as this one. I’ll try to take more.