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TheTariffof19892 t1_j9f2ufp wrote

Its still a bit cold to catch turtles running around like they do in the summer, but the lake at UR often has turtles basking on bits of wood sticking out of the water. The "eco-corridor" also should have a bunch other neat lizards and whatnot to spot too. But there are some snapping turtles so dont go sticking your fingers in anythings mouth

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Baby_Beluga t1_j9f2zjt wrote

Osborne Park, specifically in the back while on the wooden walkway. There is a creek that runs under a section of it.

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UnzippedButton t1_j9f4hrp wrote

The canal off Dock St.

If you have access to a kayak or a canoe, Four Mile Creek where it enters the river at Deep Bottom is usually turtle central.

As /u/thetariffof19892 points out, it’s still a bit cold to see them basking much.

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nilmergreeb t1_j9f4swf wrote

The lake at UR is teeming with turtles of several different types. Like “Jesus Christ enough already with the turtles” teeming.

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jeb_hoge t1_j9f52kx wrote

Swift Creek Reservoir and the lake in Pocohontas State Park both will have them in abundance as it warms up.

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pinecobble t1_j9f5ysv wrote

Swan Lake in Byrd Park has a man-made float specifically for turtles (also has turtles)

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GeneralAgrippa t1_j9f8ez2 wrote

I've always seen them on the south side of the Potterfield Bridge when I walk it.

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Cheap-Ad7916 t1_j9f8jz3 wrote

I always see them crossing the potterfield bridge, the non rapid side. Lots at Lewis ginter too. Just in any body of water generally!

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TripawdCorgi t1_j9f8o1i wrote

I see them all the time crossing the T Pot from the Manchester side once it warms up a little. You can watch dozens hanging out on the rocks and wading in the shallows right after the gate to the climbing wall.

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ActuallyRobbie t1_j9f8xmc wrote

I see a lot of them on North Bank Trail behind Maymont Park, floating on logs in the canal.

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mountainmacha t1_j9faksz wrote

The canal that runs along the trail behind Maymont is full of turtles.

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dschep t1_j9fdjle wrote

JRPS & FHP. I've seen 'em in the Forest Hill Park lake, on the Dogwood Dell trails, & Belle Isle among other places.

Here's one crossing the trail at Belle Isle near the shelter by first break rapids

https://preview.redd.it/jjlqcifdllja1.png?width=988&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=078f167575e217372d3d36be5bd3c323c30fd576

It's also just barely their time of year to be out and about. Might still be bruminating. (the photo is from mid September)

Checkout @turtalert on IG for many local turts.

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jons0027 t1_j9fdw8u wrote

i've seen some HUGE snapping turtles at dutch gap the few times i've been out there.

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skulloctopus2023 t1_j9ff4qm wrote

I'm seen a ton in the Quarry Pond on Belle Isle. Everyone else has listed a lot of good places as well for good turtle watching. Go and venture forth and enjoy your herpetology hobby!

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RulerOfTheRest t1_j9fg0p4 wrote

Just about any retention pond in the area will have them. The one by the old Circuit City HQ used to have a big snapper that liked to sun itself on the road, there were a few occasions where I had to pick that big thing up and move it so it wouldn't end up a speed bump. It's been years, but I hope it's still doing OK...

...side note, if you don't know how to handle snapping turtles, don't pick them up, they have an incredibly long range and will bite you...

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callmeslate t1_j9fg6ic wrote

Rockwood park in Chesterfield on Courthouse.

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turnipmeatloaf t1_j9ft1ct wrote

You can find box turtles if you go hiking on the trails a little farther from the city. I was happy to see some since they’re threatened

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coldblackmaple t1_j9ftt96 wrote

I was thrown off by the idea of wild turtles. As opposed to domesticated turtles, I guess?

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PopularMedicinetoday t1_j9fxv92 wrote

Byrd park - lots of them live to sunbath on logs in Swan Lake on the north side of it near Lakeview ave

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wild_rover t1_j9fycgg wrote

The Marymount Japanese gardens always have lots of turtles laying on the rocks and hanging out!

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kaiwinters t1_j9g0224 wrote

Belle isle, browns island, Texas Beach and Forrest hill park I always see turtles out in the rocks and water especially as it gets warmer :)

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AccidentallyTaschen t1_j9g2ged wrote

A bunch live in the pond at the center of Forrest Hill Park, often they sit on the logs protruding from the pond but after a big rain you can find them all over the park since so much of it floods

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Gorz0th t1_j9g2hp7 wrote

We get them in our yard a few times a year. Had one mom lay eggs even, that was fun to watch. Beyond that, always seem them in like every state park we visit that has lakes.

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RedDirtBiker t1_j9gaewe wrote

Walking along buttermilk along the may mount fence line. They’re normally sunbathing on driftwood

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Elyksias t1_j9gb4tl wrote

Pocahontas State Park, kayaking. Tons and tons of turtles in a protected habitat.

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GingerEazyE t1_j9gc057 wrote

I always see a bunch of the homies poking their heads out of the water at Fountain lake. I even watched one walk across the grass into the water

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NatNat800 t1_j9gjy63 wrote

We have a ton at Echo lake in Glen Allen! It's fun to walk around the lake and spot all of them hanging out on logs.

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forevermali_ t1_j9gkpph wrote

I lived in N Chesterfield & found one as a kid. Me & some cousins kept him for a few days then let him go. Also spotted 2 or 3 in Chester when I lived there. Both about 30-40 mins from the city.

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IdiotCoderMonkey t1_j9glmxf wrote

I've seen tortoises on the Richmond Slave Trail! Though I'm guessing they inhabit most any riverside trail in RVA.

The pond at the Japanese Garden in Maymont is teaming with them, as is the canal along the Northbank Trail behind the Japanese Garden.

In the past from about late March to mid April babies start hatching around Swan and Byrd Lake. My daughter loves seeing all the silver dollar sized babies resting in the shallows along the banks.

Happy turtle hunting :)

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muddyhands78 t1_j9gnqe8 wrote

I saw about 8 lined up on a log at one of the Bryan Park ponds the other day.

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WontArnett t1_j9go7ee wrote

I helped one cross the road out in Highland Springs.

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Charadrius t1_j9hhgok wrote

Wetlands and pony pasture are a must, especially when snappers are breeding. I’ve had really good luck at Bryan park, Both types of sliders there in abundance. Hit me up if you want to go herping together, I go at least a few times a week

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omrmike t1_j9jaxcr wrote

All known species of turtles are considered indicator species (aka sentinel species) which means that their abundance, distribution, and health in the ecosystem are reflective of overall environmental conditions. So maybe the lack of turtles means an unhealthy and unstable local ecosystem?

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Turbulent_Set_1497 t1_j9jf5j8 wrote

I was once told of the mud turtle trade that goes on at red house.

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Ditovontease t1_j9jk2p0 wrote

There used to be a domesticated turtle that would walk around Strawberry St

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SidFinch99 t1_j9s8bl9 wrote

Tons of them at Tuckahoe Creek Park.

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