Wildlife Ranger caught this guy and released it closer to the water
Went with first suggestion on ID.
Very unexpected. Flying low back and forth along the trail, and sometimes sitting on low vegetation.
Not the first choice for iNat but the best fit from a search. They seemed like Beta fish at first. 2 in this photo but 4 or 5 total. No external gills, the red tail was really distinctive.
**i took alot of video and a few dozen pictures detailing this turtles appearance. Saving for research so if anyone has use for them feel free to reach out. Found her in the middle of the road during a downpour. Convinced a higher power put me thereto grab her. Found quite a ways from water i assume she was in the mating hunt. End of May...Released at the shore of the closest bog
Nest-digging. Telescope photos taken from safe distance. I quickly moved on afterwards.