I found this female Common Musk Turtle on the White Rock Bike Trail in the Lake Highland area of Dallas, Texas. The turtle was found on a part of the trail that crosses over a small pond. The turtle had climbed out of the water and onto the concrete, presumably to sun herself.
I took a couple of quick pictures. Turned her over for a few more, and then she was placed back in the water, safe and sound.
![I found this female Common Musk Turtle on the White Rock Bike Trail in the Lake Highland area of Dallas, Texas.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/commonmuskturtle-betweenhereandthere-001.jpg)
![The turtle was found on a part of the trail that crosses over a small pond.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/commonmuskturtle-betweenhereandthere-002.jpg)
![The turtle had climbed out of the water and onto the concrete presumably to sun herself.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/commonmuskturtle-betweenhereandthere-003.jpg)
![The turtle is identified as a female by the small size of its tail. The female's tail just barely extends beyond the edge of the shell and is decidedly smaller than that of a male.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/commonmuskturtle-betweenhereandthere-004.jpg)
![Another picture of the underside of a female Common Musk Turtle.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/commonmuskturtle-betweenhereandthere-005.jpg)
![After the picture taking, the Common Musk Turtle was returned to the water safe and sound.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/commonmuskturtle-betweenhereandthere-006.jpg)