turtle rescue?

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Perhaps the best part of Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge is all the wonderful people you meet from around the country. Many of them had a nature story to share. For Diane Valen the story happened just last week in the river along the greenway near the LeConte Convention Center. Since retiring from Geauga Park District in NE Ohio, Diane has been living in Oakdale, Minnesota. 

"Here are the photos of the critters some of the Wilderness Wildlife Week birdwatchers attempted to rescue during the May 8 Bird Walk led by photographer Clay Thurston," emailed Diane.

"At first glance it appeared as though a turtle was stuck upside down in the river near LeConte Center."

"However, when a sandal-footed birder waded in to try to flip it over, much to everyone’s surprise, she discovered a second head attached to a second shell at which time grins broke out on everyone’s faces."

Yes, indeed. May is the beginning of turtle nesting season. But all turtles, even aquatic snapping turtles, dig a hole and lay their eggs on dry land. 

Thanks, Diane.

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