Bruce is such a character! He is truly one-of-a-kind – both the only and the BEST (mama’s bias here) box turtle I have ever known.
One day not long after Bruce emerged from hibernation this spring, I noticed what looked like black fungus growing around the edges of his beak (turtles and tortoises have beaks just like parrots – so cool…..).
Of course I did what any conscientious shell mama would do. I panicked and texted our vet. I sent copious numbers of close-up photos. She studied the photos and texted back, “I think that is dirt.”
Long story short – it was dirt.
So today when I walked outside and was met with a box turtle who appeared to be sporting a…..beard…..suffice it to say I didn’t fall for that one again!
Instead I cooed at him, “Oh look at youuuuuu – so CUTE – my Brucie has a dirt beard!”
But I did take copious numbers of close-up photos….just in case.
And remember…..
