Only Room For One

   It has never occurred to me that box turtles are territorial to a degree.   Rarely have I ever seen any aggression displayed between two turtles so it surprised me to witness it today.  My weeding the garden halted when two turtles were literally "squabbling" over the rights to Puddle Pond.  Both wished to be in the small pond as the tadpoles are easy pickings but, obviously, the larger of the two did not wish to share.  She started out just nudging the smaller turtle as if she was trying to push her from the pond.  After that did not work, the larger started nipping at the smaller turtle.  Finally, the little one gave up and tried to climb out of the pebbles and into the garden.  Poor thing was not very successful at getting anywhere as the pebbles kept making her slide down the edges.  Ok, so time to intervene in this fracas.

  Picking up the smaller turtle, I moved her to a shaded spot about five feet from Puddle Pond.  She was not happy and was bent on returning.  Well, rascal!  You are going to get yourself in a snafu, if you are not careful.  To remedy the situation, a pear was offered to the exiled turtle.  That did the trick!  She was one happy camper now and did not return to Puddle Pond!  The larger one could still be seen chasing tadpoles through the water hyacinths, however.  She had to work for her supper.  Being rude never gets you anywhere!