Turtle kind

Question

Turtle   I found a turtle in Northeast Texas , I have no idea what kind of turtle it is it where I should return it too. We live by a creek and by a pond , what should I do with it and what kind of turtle is it ??

Answer
This is a baby snapping turtle. It may be an Alligator Snapping Turtle, which would make it protected. It undoubtedly just emerged from hibernation or may be recently hatched depending on how big it is. Most likely it is a recent hatch and it is making it's own way as is the natural course of things when they dig out of the nest, which is often some distance away from water sources in order that the babies split up and genes are diversified. If you live in a rural area and there are no roads to cross between where you found the turtle and the water sources, then take it back to the area you found it and let it continue on it's way. You may place it closer to the nearest water source, but let it decide what to do, and do not relocate it out of that area.