Range
Found throughout the eastern half of the United States, coastal to Wisconsin and south to Mexico.
Habitats
Aquatic. Found in ponds, rivers, streams, and lakes with muddy bottoms and little vegetation. Sometimes found under mud on lake bottoms, able to breathe underwater.
Identification
Shell is soft, flat, & rubber-like, edges of carapace pliable with small spines. Female carapace length varies from 7 to 19 inches, females being much larger than males at 5 to 10 inches. Pig like nose on narrow, long snout, fully webbed feet.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians