From mid-July through September, thousands of people visit Oklahoma’s lakes, rivers and other waterways to cool off and enjoy their summer. And many of them encounter Oklahoma’s wildlife, as animals also utilize the water and adjacent wilderness. At this time of year, baby turtles are hatching out of eggs buried months earlier. Most egg nests were found and destroyed by raccoons, skunks and other predators. The lucky, undisturbed nests can see 30 to 40 turtles dig themselves out of the soil. They must remain hidden, however, and try to make it to the water and its aquatic vegetation quickly.