Smooth Softshell Turtle

Range

This species of turtle has a wide geographical range covering much of the eastern and middle of the United State of America. This species is found in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Iowa and New Mexico.

Habitats

This species of Turtle is usually found in large bodies of water and rivers with moderate to fast currents. They are fond of muddy waters and sandy underwater environments rather than rocky or vegetated riverbeds. They are also found in large slow moving bodies of water like ponds, lakes and dams.

Identification

This species is easily identified by its sharp snorkel-like snout and round nostrils which it uses to breathe underwater and a smooth leathery softshell. Its shell is covered in skin rather than hard scutes as seen in most other turtle species.

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