Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Brochures Fall 2019 | Page 69

Wildlife Discovery Center
Creature Feature
Meet “Nessie,” the spiny softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera
Unlike the infamous Loch Ness Monster of Scottish folklore, “Nessie,” our resident
Spiny Softshell Turtle, does exist. Much like the fabled creature of Scotland, visitors
rarely see her in her outdoor habitat known as Jess’s Pond. If you are fortunate
enough to catch a glimpse, you’ll find her to be quite a sight – with a large, flat
carapace that seems more like a “leathery” shell than what we envision as a typical
turtle shell. With her long neck and pig-like nose, she has quite a quirky, almost
endearing, appearance.
Photo Credit: Mike Knoerr

The range of the spiny softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera, covers much of the United
States, even extending north into Ontario and Quebec and south into Mexico. Preferring slow moving, shallow riparian
zones, they seek the sandy bottoms of creeks, rivers and ponds – into which they bury themselves. They can simply
extend their long necks to the surface for a breath of air, before retreating once again to lie in wait for their small,
unsuspecting prey. They prey mostly on fish, but being opportunistic, they will eat just about anything small enough to
fit into their mouths such as insects, crayfish, and amphibians. Sexually dimorphic, females grow to be much larger than
males, and are considered to be one of the largest species of turtles of North America.
Despite spending much of their time underwater, they will actively bask in the sun on exposed dead limbs or other
such surfaces protruding from the water that allows them to warm themselves – while still providing the opportunity
for a quick exit should danger present itself. Once the cool temperatures of autumn arrive, these turtles will begin their
annual hibernation. Discontinuing the process of using their lungs for breathing, and shifting into absorbing oxygen
from the water solely through their clocae, they will be able to remain submerged throughout their hibernation period. A
clocoa (plural: clocae) is a common outlet for waste disposal and reproductive activities among many animals.
Our outdoor turtle pond is home to Nessie and 25 other turtles, including Blanding’s turtles, spotted turtles, musk
turtles, midland painted turtles and the northern wood turtle. The best time to observe turtles (out of their watery
habitat) is between 9 am and 1 pm on a warm, sunny day.
Classes
SATURDAY ZOOKEEPER (9-14Y)
Since 1997, this program has provided opportunities for children to learn the complexities of caring for animals in captivity as well as putting those skills to
use. Children learn proper handling, care and feeding, and biology of many animals as well as other aspects of captive animal management. One off-site
field trip broadens their learning experience. Older students have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills while mentoring younger participants.
Location:
Instructor:
Notes:
Southeast Classroom, Wildlife Discovery Center
Instructed by Wildlife Discovery Center Staff
Space is limited to allow for maximum interaction.
SESSION CODE DAYS DATES TIME R/NR
Session 1 10940101-01 Sa Sep 7 - Oct 12 9:00 am - 10:30 am $275/$330
Session 2 10940101-04 Sa Oct 26 - Nov 30 9:00 am - 10:30 am $275/$330
www. LF Par ks andRec .c om
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