Obesevation on Lake Maumelle

[Possum]

I made an observation on Lake Maumelle Monday that has me wondering. I was snooping around the bank checking for structure that will be underwater in the Spring and noticed a fish skeleton rotting up on some rocks. As I got nearer I could tell it had been a nice sized catfish. Then I noticed what I thought was a rock but it had a pattern that didn't look right. I got as chose as I could without gagging and counted 9 turtle shells about 4 inches long each scattered around the fish. The shells consisted of the carapace (upper shell) only. The plaston (lower shell) and the body of the turtles was gone. I'm speculating the catfish had been feasting on turtles but had a fatal problem digesting the carapaces. I've not seen this before and have never found a turtle in a fish belly while cleaning fish. Insight or comments welcome.

[Lkconwayguru]

I'm thinking big foot, he just got scared off before he finished his meal.

[blueducklane]

Dynamite?

[SoreLipsNoFish]

Looks like someone had turtle soup and fried catfish and those are the dead soldiers

[Lkconwayguru]

It could have been a OLE POSSUM or a coon pulled them up there and ate em.

[Hammer Head]

Any otters around? They tough on fish not sure about turtles.

[NIMROD]

Ask Bigben7 but a photo with more details could help.

[Bigben7]

I think the turtle eating catfish could be a possible hypothesis, after that, I would say a small mammal that got the turtles and set up camp near a dead catfish and feasted. Honestly, your guess is as good as mine.

[CrappiePro]

Ive found small turtles in fish before when cleaning bass and catfish both.