We enjoy watching the turtles when we are out in our boat. These ones are painted turtles and are sunning themselves on an old log.
Painted turtles like to gather together and sit on logs, basking in the sun. They have a smooth upper shell. Their head and neck has yellow and green stripes.
Contrasting in size and looks is the snapping turtle. They are much larger, and their heads and tails look much different. Their shell is flatter and does not have the olive colour that the painted turtle has.
Both the painted turtle and snapping turtle are “Special Concern in Ontario”. We can feel privileged to see these each summer. We don’t see other types here right now.
