The 2nd Cat6 animal interruption today, the other was a koala

This long necked tortoise was on the Linear Park near Ascot Ave. It
tucked its head away then let out a gush of liquid - so either peed
itself or jettisoned balast. I popped it back near the water, probably
undoing an afternoons work.
This morning it was a Koala on Montacute Rd and as I slowed to move it along I got Cat6'd by SASI girls -- which I think is instant disqualification isn't it?

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Tags: Cat6, animals, native, wildlife
Location: Vale Park, SA

Comment by heather on December 6, 2011 at 17:56: A good photo. The exact name is Snake-necked Turtle or Chelodina longicollis. "Releases pungent fluid when handled" - a protective device.

Used to be called tortoises, but now these creatures that swim are also called turtles. Only the dry-land tortoises are now call tortoises. Confusing isn't it?

A long time since I have seen a turtle in SA. Recently saw the Brisbane River Turtle, including 23 sun-baking together on a lake bank.

Comment by Matt Brennan on December 6, 2011 at 18:50: It was probably trying to escape the Torrens to find fresh water :)

Comment by Gus K on December 6, 2011 at 18:54: "Releases pungent fluid when handled"

Nice! I'm glad I washed my hands asap!. Interesting they are not too common. I might run it by my wildlife expert friend from the Museum and see what he has to say.

We had one as a pet when I was a kid called Herbie. Mum wrote out phone number on his underside with nail polish. They can climb and move pretty fast when they want to.

Comment by heather on December 6, 2011 at 19:05: I used to see them as a child but humans have degraded the environment so much that native creatures are threatened.

Comment by Rob (Chewbacca) on December 6, 2011 at 20:31: I hate speed humps :(

Comment by Mick Adams on December 6, 2011 at 21:09: @ Chewie CX training

Comment by Simon Lownsborough on December 7, 2011 at 11:39: There's a knock on the door, man opens it and there's a tortoise standing there. "Sir, I just know you'll love this new improved encyclopedia set…". Man says "no thanks" and shuts the door. Another knock on the door. Man opens door, "Look, I said no!", picks up the tortoise and throws it over the fence.

A year later there's a knock on the door. Man opens it. Tortoise says "What did you do that for?".

Comment by Gus K on December 7, 2011 at 11:41: Ha ha.. except these guys are actually pretty quick and are strong climbers.

Comment by Bazz Smalldon on December 7, 2011 at 12:49: Over the past few years I've had two of these as pets - both escaped but.Come to think of it - this could be one of them....:)

Comment by Patrick O'Kane on December 7, 2011 at 12:55: At least it is wearing a helmet.

The 2nd Cat6 animal interruption today, the other was a koala

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