Flooding triggers increased surface activity in a bottom-dwelling turtle

Mexican giant musk turtles (Staurotypus triporcatus) are large, bottom-dwelling turtles in Central America. Following a flooding event, they were frequently seen at the surface, wherease they were never seen prior to the flooding. The data were collected using a motorized canoe to search for turtles at the surface. When possible, notes were made about size. In some cases, it was possible to capture the turtles and measure them. Observations of times, dates, sexes, and sizes of turtles are presented, as well as a measure of search effort (times of day searched and distance of creek searched). Missing values are reported as NA.