I came across this unusual find in Arlington’s River Legacy Park. This is a recently deceased Red-eared Slider.

I’m not sure how this semi-aquatic turtle arrived at this location, which is several hundred yards/meters away from any standing body of water. He may have wandered to this spot from the river, or a predator may have carried him here.

Either way, this turtle ended up as a meal for something. The predator was stymied by the the turtle’s shell, however, and was only able to dine on the extremities. The head, the tail, and all four limbs were missing, but the shell and its contents were intact.

The pictures below represent the exact condition of the carcass when it was found.

Red-eared Slider - Deceased

Red-eared Slider - Deceased

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