Western Pond Turtle

Range

Range stretches along the Pacific coast from northern Oregon through western California and the northern Baja Peninsula. It also includes a few patches of range in western Washington.

Habitats

Inhabits a wide variety of permanent and temporary freshwater bodies, including marshes, ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and ditches. It prefers habitats with lots of boulders, logs, or floating vegetation for basking. Surrounding areas are typically woodland, forest, or grassland.

Identification

A medium-sized aquatic turtle averaging 4.5-8.5 inches in carapace length. Its carapace is smooth and wider on the posterior half, giving the peripheral scutes a skirt-like appearance when viewed from above. It has a flattened shell when viewed from the side. Its carapace is a dull grey or olive and its plastron is yellow. It has a long tail, large legs, and its skin is primarily dull grey with tan speckling.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians