Put Me Down

This turtle -- a red-eared slider -- was found at Lake Padden when we were collecting water samples this morning. The species is native only to the southern United States, but is a popular pet in the United States and other parts of the world. It's become established in other areas from pet releases, and is an invasive species in some of them.

Cynthia said she remembers having a small one as a child. It didn't live long enough to grow as big as this one, and was interred in a metal Band-Aid container.

When we released the turtle in the lake, a black Lab took a keen interest, but was unable to catch it.