Log-buddy Turtles

I have to admit my title is a little presumptuous. Turtles definitely get together for breeding (though these 2 almost certainly won't) but other than that they're considered solitary without forming actual friendships. Their tendency to be seen in groups is probably better explained by:

  • There are only so many good basking locations in an area, so they're kind of forced to congregate at these locations.
  • Similar to mixed-species flocks of birds, they're probably safer in a crowd where many eyes/ears have the potential to detect a predator.
Even if they're not BFFs, this Pond Slider and Painted Turtle are at least tolerant of each other, suggesting more civility that you see amongst other groups (like the US political system). And although this picture is from last October, I'm seeing more and more turtles out as the NJ winter wanes. As long as you're willing to keep a respectful distance, you could probably meet a turtle around here today.

October 11, 2022 at Washington Valley Park
Photo 249885474, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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