Cheloniologist Help Needed

General Off Topic
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Hopefully, I spelled that right. Saw this turtle in Bamberg County in the trail. Moved him off the road and took a picture. Figured it would be a piece of cake to id since the carapace had such a distinctive fringe at the rear of the turtle and such a clear pattern. Need to zoom in to see but the image is pretty clear.

I see gopher tortoises frequently at my house near Beaufort, seems pretty clearly not that.

Totally dark, saw no colors even when head and legs were extended. About 10 or so inches from the front of the carapace to the rear.

Completely baffled, any identification help would be appreciated.

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It’s a slider

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Yep, yellow bellied slider or maybe river cooter, they seem to differ only in face markings when larger and darker but I’m still learning

Either way, you must have some freshwater nearby as this was probably a female headed to make a nest, most common reason they cover dry ground

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They used to live in the lagoon behind the house on Edisto. I’d watch them dig nests and lay eggs in the yard a lot.

Cool to see

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Learn something new everyday, thanks.

Who knew turtles get darker when they get older? Same as birds I guess, color can throw you off.

The “wet weather ponds” on that property aren’t wet at the moment. Need some rain.

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Lovely to learn new things every day! Until a couple years ago, I didn’t know there were scarlet snakes here in addition to scarlet kingsnakes, which are completely different

I’ve been a novice herpetophile (careful on the pronunciation, especially in the deep south) with a penchant for all things testudine since I can remember