Lake Okeechobee, Florida (IP) - Survivor man Les Stroud jumped on the back of a 20 foot wide cooter turtle and rode it to safety in Lake Okeechobee last night. He had been filming a Survivorman episode on the west set of the lake near Indian Prairie canal when alligators tried to attack him.
He was able to place his camera gear in a small inflated raft and the entire event was caught on camera. He managed to hop aboard a friendly 20 foot wide cooter turtle and then towed the inflatable raft behind them with cameras running. Luckily for the Survivor man a small plastic seat was mounted on top of the huge turtle.
The turtle was able to steam away from the alligators at speeds approaching 12 knots. The giant fresh water turtles are used by local fishing guides during fishing trips aimed at catching Speckled Perch which are in the Crappie family and attain weights approaching 4 or 5 pounds. They have firm white meat which tastes as good as any salt water fish.
