Steemit, meet Proto the little turtle, named such by @larkenrose at the end of a long but funny discussion on turtle types. He's a tiny generic turtle, likely a Mexican Mud or wood turtle of some sort. It's still pretty scared of me, I'm hoping in time it'll understand I don't want to hurt it.

He looks like several different turtles so identification has been tough. I don't know where he came from beyond the fact that my neighbor handed him to me. My theory is he hatched in my neighbors yard, who realized he didn't have the stuff to take care of a turtle.

I spend quite a bit of time picking him up and holding him gently. Today was the first day he didn't stay in his shell.

That turtle smile though...

Eventually I'll build him some sort of protected permanent habitat, until then he'll get taken outside with chicken wire over the top of his house to keep out cat bastard during the days, to get him some sun. I put a squished toilet paper cardboard insert in there which he's been using as a hideout.