A few days ago, I was out puttering around in the yard. Always alert for snakes, I caught glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye.
I apologize for the poor photo quality; these were taken with my cell phone. At the time, I just snapped the photos because this was a pretty good size “turtle”.
But, when I began looking at them closer, I noticed the white face (what?) and those eerie white CLAWS.
I continued to take pics as he/she moved along our driveway. But, I was wearing flip-flops, and let me tell you: when it started moving in my direction, I backed up VERY quickly.
My friend, Renee, is a true animal lover (of all species), so I messaged these pics to her. She is a member of several online animal groups and posted the photos to some of those groups.
The general consensus of the experts seems to be that this is a Northern Diamondback Terrapin.
I searched online for photos and had to check several sites before I found one that shows the white mouth. I located this one on the American Museum of Natural History web page.
And I do believe we have a positive ID on my visitor. Thanks, Renee!
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
wow, i’ve never seen one, i would have no idea –
Interesting species…..I love turtles, tortoises and terrapins….but haven’t seen one like this before!
Pam
He is a beauty. I have never seen one of those either! Glad you shared him with us!
So interesting… My first thought was “ghost” turtle.
Those claws kind of creep me out but glad you got him ID’d.
Never seen one before .. very cool !
I’m telling you.. the word is out : Wild Kingdom..
Stay tuned.. who knows what might show up next ?!
WOW – don’t think I’ve ever seen an honest – to – goodness terrapin. Pretty neat. You are most assuredly sitting on a wildlife preserve!
That is fascinating! What a beautiful odd creature, so glad you were able to get photos and then find out what kind it is. You have a mini wild kingdom in your yard. (I miss the lone swan that visited you and hope he’s ok 🙂 )
Again I think the turtle is the prettiest one I have ever seen.. Thanks for the extra info. Hope you are having a good Memorial Day ❤
That is AWESOME!!!!!
Congratulations on the new addition to the Motor-Zoo.
Very handsome Terrapin.
I think the wildlife are spreading the word that your yard is a fauna friendly place to visit.