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This Flirty Turtle in Lincoln Park’s South Pond Didn’t Get the Girl, But He Won Our Hearts: Watch the Mating Dance


It’s one thing to read about the male turtle’s mating “dance.” 

It’s another to witness it with your own eyes.

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Check out this video, shot last weekend at the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk, and we’ll explain the behavior on the flip side.

Kind of looks like a toddler turtle trying to get its mom’s attention, doesn’t it? At least that’s what a couple of other people thought as they watched the action.

Nope. That’s not how turtles roll. Turtles don’t form family units, and the extent of a female’s “motherhood” is to find a place to lay her eggs. Then her job is done.

What you’re seeing is some major courtship behavior. And if the fella looks like he’s outmatched, well he kind of is. Some species of turtle, the males are half the size of the females.

Still, he’s trying hard to impress: swimming backwards, fluttering his super long claws — designed especially for this purpose — as flirtatiously as possible. 

In the end, this prospective Juliet wasn’t buying what Romeo was selling, and she swam away. 

If it’s any consolation, you charmed the heck out of us, dude.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]


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