Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis
Mississippi Mud Turtle

Reelfoot Lake, Obion Co., Tennessee
March 25, 2007

I've seen a few Mississippi Mud Turtles over the years, but only fleeting glimpses before they plopped into the water and disappeared. During a visit to Reelfoot Lake, I finally got a chance to get a good look at a hippocrepis and even take a picture or two.  The truth is, I was so intent on a Diamondback Water Snake, that I walked right past the turtle as it basked on a log. Fortunately it hung around long enough for me have a second chance.