Turtle, Tortoise - What Is The Difference?

Actually, turtle and tortoise refer to the same thing.
These names encompass a great many species of reptiles.
Each species is the same in that they have very soft bodies with a hard shell to protect them.
This shell grows out from their ribs, so a turtles shell grows with them rather than getting replaced like some other shell-dwelling creatures.
Thanks to Ernie Brown Jr, a.
k.
a.
- The Turtleman, most people are much more familiar with the Snapping Turtle species.
Turtles have gained a lot of press based on the series that follows The Turtleman on his adventures to catch this species in areas where they are unwanted and release them into areas where they can thrive.
Fortunately, he has also shown us that even an experienced wrangler can be bitten by this fierce species of turtle.
There are many different species of turtles and tortoises that break down into specific categories.
They all have the same ability to pull their head, arms, and legs into the shell.
When the are inside their shell, it is difficult to tell front from back.
Some species of turtles live only in the water.
These turtles normally have flippers that help them move through the water.
Other species of turtles live only on land.
These are the turtles that are better known and they move along very slowly.
These turtles have arms and legs instead of flippers.
There are still other species that can move between the water and the shore, although usually only the females of the species live both in the water and go on shore.
These species also have what resembles arms and legs to allow them to move about while on shore.
Turtles and tortoises are well known for being extremely slow moving creatures and some species can live to be decades old.
They can have a life span of from about 30 years to around 100 years and can weigh anywhere up to hundreds of pounds.
Many people have turtles as pets.
They do not require much attention, they are inexpensive, and easy to clean up after.
Just make sure you find out how big it will get before you buy it.
Turtles breathe air and lay their eggs on land.
It is important to remember that if you get a turtle as a pet, unless it is an aquatic variety, they should not be kept in water.
Provide them with water, but their main habitat needs to be dry land.
Many families have successfully kept very small turtles, but there are several things to consider before buying a turtle for your home.
1.
) There is a loophole in the law that allows stores and flea markets to sell turtles that are under 4 inches.
This 4 inch law has been in effect since 1975 and was enacted because of the ease of contracting salmonella through casual contact.
2.
) Although turtles and tortoises are perceived to be docile creatures, they have a bony snout that they use to tear apart their food.
This could mean some nasty bites if they are inclined.