How to Identify Different Types of Turtles

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Common snapping turtles thrive in various freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and swamps. They are often found lurking at the bottom, hidden in the mud. While their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, their aggressive nature can be problematic if the pond is used for swimming or fishing.

Here’s how to identify a common snapping turtle:

• Size: Large, with adults weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Shell: Rough, ridged carapace with a saw-toothed back edge.
• Color: Dark brown to black.
• Behavior: Known for their aggressive demeanor and powerful jaws.

Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Red-eared sliders are highly adaptable and can be found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer basking on logs or rocks. Popular in the pet trade, these turtles can sometimes become invasive if released into non-native environments. Their prolific breeding can lead to overpopulation, affecting the native species balance.

Here’s how to identify a red-eared slider:

• Size: Medium-sized, typically 5-12 inches in shell length.
• Shell: Smooth with a distinct red stripe behind each eye.
• Color: Olive to brown with yellow stripes on limbs and head.

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

Painted turtles prefer shallow waters with abundant vegetation, making ponds and lakes ideal habitats. They are generally less disruptive than other species and are indicators of a well-maintained aquatic environment.

Here’s how to identify a painted turtle:

• Size: Small to medium, 4-10 inches in shell length.
• Shell: Smooth, oval carapace with red and yellow markings on the edges.
• Color: Dark olive to black with vibrant red and yellow stripes on the neck, legs, and tail.

Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)

These turtles inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters, including ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are often seen buried in the mud. Eastern mud turtles are elusive and non-aggressive, making them less noticeable and less of a concern for human interaction.

Here’s how to identify an eastern mud turtle:

• Size: Small, 3-5 inches in shell length.
• Shell: Smooth, domed carapace with no distinct pattern.
• Color: Brown to black with yellowish skin.

Management Strategies to Address Turtles in Ponds and Lakes

Regular monitoring, habitat modification, and humane relocation are our top three suggestions here. Conduct regular surveys of your pond or lake to keep track of the turtle population and species diversity.

Moreover, you can adjust the vegetation and physical structure of your pond to naturally influence the types of turtles that thrive there. If necessary, consult with local wildlife authorities to relocate unwanted turtles safely and legally.

If you’d like to leave your retention pond maintenance to uniformed professionals, then call Aquatic Restoration to schedule an appointment or urgent on-site visit for as soon as possible. Let’s get started with a consultation today!