I’m not sure the hatched cooter eggs belong to this specific species but there were definitely a lot of Florida Red-bellied Turtles (Pseudemys nelsoni) at Circle B Bar Reserve this past weekend.

Though they are a favorite snack of alligators, these brave terrapins are known for laying their eggs in alligator nest mounds. I’m sure the choice location offers protection from pillaging by raccoons (and others). As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Intentional or not, duckweed serves as excellent turtle camouflage. I was especially impressed with the one below who went the extra mile.

Does it remind anyone else of the Carol Burnett Went with the Wind curtain skit?