Missouri’s softshell turtles are some of the most odd-looking creatures in the state, but also some of the most interesting.
There are two types of softshell turtles in Missouri: the Northern spiny softshell and the midland smooth softshell, both primarily living in large rivers and streams but can also occur in lakes, large ponds, and even roadside irrigation ditches.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, both are aquatic turtles and enjoy eating other aquatic species like crayfish, insects, snails, small mussels, fish, and tadpoles.
These reptiles get their name from their soft shells. While other turtles have a rock-hard shell to protect them from predators and other danger, softshells, as you might imagine, have a much softer, more leathery shell.
They can be quite defensive, for this reason. If you try to pick up a softshell turtle, make sure to watch out for its bite.
