Painted Turtle

Range

Although more populous along the eastern seaboard, painted turtles can be found across the whole United States. They’re rarest in the southwest, where preferred habitats are scarce

Habitats

Painted Turtles are not picky. They like lakes, rivers, streams and ponds; anywhere with fresh water and a thick layer of mud.

Identification

As its’ name suggests, the Painted Turtle has a brightly colored shell that’s 3.5 to almost 10 inches long. The upper part of this shell is relatively flat, and features red and yellow markings on a black or greenish-brown background.

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