That was the mamma turtle laying here eggs.

When I went back to check on the eggs to make sure no animals had eaten them, this little one was very near the surface and seemed vulnerable, so I took it home and made a little nest for it.

And it hatched! This is Trudy Zuzu, the hatchling painted turtle. I am not at all optimistic about her chances, but I will try to take good care of her and improve her odds the best I can.