What's A Guy Gotta Do Around Here to Get a Girl's Attention?

Written by Lisa Busa, Glade Run Lake Conservancy Director

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone. Women everywhere were showered with candy, flowers, and maybe even some shiny new jewelry. But have you ever wondered how animals woo their mates? Spring is right around the corner and animals everywhere will be on the lookout for that special someone. Let's take a peek at what these scaly, feathered, and furry creatures have up their sleeves.

In fact, let's look at a few species that you can find at Glade Run Lake...

Painted turtle. Photo courtesy of Lisa Busa

The courtship behavior of the painted turtle has got to be one of the cutest things I've ever seen. First off, the males have substantially longer claws than the females. What’s the purpose of this? Well, during courtship, the males will flutter their claws quickly across the sides of the female's face and neck. And all of this in the hopes that the female will say “My, what big claws you have!” To which the male replies, “Better to dig in the muddy pond bottom in search of food for you, my dear.” At least, that’s what I imagine they are saying.