Rare Turtle found in Ct River

So, in all my life, I've never seen this kind of turtle before.
It was along the shores edge, in the water hiding with part of
his body hidden.
But my eye caught the funny shape and color, since I'm always scanning the rocks for crawfish, reached down and scoop up this little guy.
It's a Trionychidae, soft shelled turtle. Coolest find in a long time. The Ct River sure is full of surprises.
I made a little video, a little shakey at times, I got a cramp in my leg..........:)



I been told this is a rare find, so I posted this and I do have video
of it also.
Found up in the Suffield side of the CT River down from Stony Brook.

Very cool Rox. I've never seen one before!

Awesome!
I'm glad you notified the DEEP.

Wow, I found one of those decades ago, also in the CT River! I didn't know the name of it, but the nose is a dead giveaway.

Thanks all, it is exciting.

My nephew is in Texas studying reptiles, gators, snakes, lizards, turtles.

He was as excited about the rare find as I was.

Like finding a needle in a hay stack.

Hope it doesn't take another 61 years to find one again.

A little late for a reply but you are correct; it is a Softshell Turtle. Now then what species? There is a Smooth and a Spiny.
The one pictured looks like a Spiny: Apalone spiniferous.
I found one of them years ago just across the border in New York State.
You are also correct that they are not known or indigenous to Connecticut but specimens such as your turn up occasionally.
Most probably a release? Thanks for a great picture!

My dad has two in a fish tank. i would bet they are releases.