December 2019 • Nebraskaland 51
An ornate box turtle crosses a road at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation
Area in Cherry County.
A snapping turtle swims among bluegills in the pond at Chadron State Park during summer. An active, omnivorous forager during warm
seasons, the snapper's slowed metabolism during the cold of winter minimizes food needs.
A painted turtle is shown on a log in Scotts Bluff County.
