Surprising Adventures With 12 Turtles in Connecticut

The diverse and unique wildlife of Connecticut has been an inspiration to many, particularly when it comes to the state’s turtles. From the ancient snapping turtle that lurks in shallow waters, to the smaller pond and marsh turtles that can be found across much of the state, these twelve species offer a fascinating insight into this remarkable region.

For those who take time to observe them closely, there is plenty of reward; from their varied behaviors and habitats, to their intricate anatomy and adaptations for survival. In short, they are truly captivating creatures – deserving of our admiration and protection.

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Bog Turtle	Type: Terrestrial turtle Lifespan: 20-30 years Size: 4-5 inches Weight: 1-2 pounds
2	Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina)	Type: Terrestrial turtle Lifespan: 60 years Size: 4-10 inches Weight: Male: 1 pounds, females: 2 pounds
3	Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin)	Type: Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 25 – 40 years Size: Males: 4 – 5.5 inches, Females: 6 – 9 inches Weight: Males: 0.5 pounds, Females: 1.5 pounds
4	Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus)	Type: Terrestrial and aquatic turtle Lifespan: 10-20 years Size: 4-8 inches Weight: 0.7 pounds
5	Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys Picta)	Type: Freshwater turtle Lifespan: 40 years Size: 7-10 inches Weight: 21 ounces
6	Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)	Type: Freshwater turtle Lifespan: 50 years Size: 19 inches Weight: 40 pounds
7	Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata)	Type: Semi-Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 60 – 100+ years Size: 4 – 5 inches Weight: 0.5 to 1 pound
8	Wood Turtle (Glyptemys Insculpta)	Type: Semi-aquatic turtle Lifespan: 12+ years Size: 6 to 10 inches Weight: 0.5 – 2 pounds
9	Atlantic Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas)	Type: Sea turtle Lifespan: 80 years Size: 5 feet Weight: 400 pounds
10	Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Kempii)	Type: Sea Turtle Lifespan: 50 years Size: 2 feet Weight: 100 pounds
11	Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea)	Type: Marine turtle Lifespan: 45 years Size: 6.7 feet Weight: 2,000 pounds
12	Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta)	Type: Sea turtle Lifespan: 40-50 years Size: 3-3.5 ft Weight: 220-355 pounds

12 Turtles You Can Find in Connecticut

In total, there are 12 species of turtles in the state of Connecticut. This guide will take you on an exploration through each turtle type and provide tips for providing them with proper care. So, let’s get started on our journey into discovering all the wonders that these reptiles have to offer!

1. Bog Turtle

The Bog Turtle, or Glyptemys muhlenbergii, is a critically endangered species of turtle native to wetlands, bogs, and swamps in the Northeastern and north-central United States. With a carapace length of 4-5 inches and weighing around 1-2 pounds, there is no size variation between male and female Bog Turtles. They have a lifespan of 20-30 years.

Skunks, raccoons, foxes and humans are the main predators of these turtles as juveniles are highly vulnerable due to their small size. Unfortunately, they also face threats from exploitation for the pet trade—it is illegal to remove them from the wild and possess them without a permit in most states. Bog Turtles are not commonly kept as pets as they require special environments to thrive in captivity. In addition, these turtles tend to be mildly aggressive and may bite if threatened.

Bog Turtles are not well adapted to aquatic life; instead they prefer warm humid climates like those found in Connecticut. As such they face massive habitat destruction due to urbanization which has led to their listing as an Endangered Species by the Endangered Species Act in several states including New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

To help protect this species it is important for conservation efforts to continue in Connecticut so that healthy ecosystems can be maintained throughout its range. Moreover, educational initiatives need to be established that inform people about the importance of protecting Bog Turtles before their population further declines due to the illegal collection for the pet trade and habitat loss.

2. Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina)

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina) is one of the most intriguing species found in deciduous and mixed forests, meadows, and fields of eastern North America. This incredible turtle can live up to 40 years in the wild or even reach up to 60 years in captivity! With adult sizes ranging from 4-10 inches, males being slightly smaller than females with a weight of 0.5-1 lb for males and 1-2 lbs for females.

Eastern Box Turtles are not too aggressive towards humans but potential predators may include raccoons, skunks, opossums, and snakes. They can be kept as pets but it is important to consult local laws before doing so since some states make it illegal to collect wild turtles or sell them as pets—including Connecticut. Captive Eastern Box Turtles may be prone to respiratory infections, shell rot, and other diseases common to captive turtles.

This species is state-protected in several states due to the declining population caused by habitat loss and illegal collection for the pet trade. Despite this precarious situation, Eastern Box Turtles can still be found in eastern North America—including Connecticut. It is essential that we take steps to protect this species which calls Connecticut home by preserving their natural habitats as well as improving public awareness of their plight!

3. Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin)

The Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) is an aquatic turtle native to the US coastal regions, ranging from Massachusetts to Florida and Louisiana to Texas. With an average lifespan of 15-20 years, these reptiles grow up to 18-23 cm in length for females and 12-15 cm for males, although weight information is not specified. Despite their small size, they are excellent swimmers and well adapted to live in brackish water environments like salt marshes or tidal creeks.

Although Northern Diamondback Terrapins are not aggressive towards humans or other animals, they may be preyed upon by raccoons, foxes, crows, gulls and skunks. Furthermore, overcollection for the pet trade has led to population decline in certain areas – resulting in their protected status in some states. As such it may be illegal to keep one as a pet without a permit.

These turtles aren’t picky eaters; they feed on both plant matter such as lettuce as well as animal proteins like insects or crayfish. So if you encounter one of these majestic creatures near Connecticut, take the time to appreciate them from a respectful distance!

4. Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus)

The Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus) is a terrestrial and aquatic turtle found in streams, rivers, ponds, and swamps throughout the eastern United States. This species can reach an impressive length of 4-8 inches when fully grown, with an average weight of 0.7 pounds. Interestingly, these turtles are also known as ‘Stinkpots’ due to their ability to secrete a musky odour when alarmed or threatened.

Their flat carapace makes them well adapted for life in the water, with strong webbed feet and sharp claws helping them cling onto rocks or vegetation while searching for food. As omnivores they feed on snails, clams and other insects as well as plant matter such as algae and leaves – making them a vital part of the local ecosystem here in Connecticut. They are generally non-aggressive but may bite if disturbed or threatened by predators such as river otters, raccoons, mink and birds of prey.

The Common Musk Turtle is not currently listed as an endangered species but habitat loss due to human activities such as development and pollution can lead to a decrease in population numbers – especially without proper conservation efforts. Additionally, illegal pet trade can be an issue that affects their vulnerability so it’s important to check local regulations before acquiring this species as a pet.

Despite all this however, with proper care these turtles have been known to live up to 20 years making them great companions for experienced keepers who are willing to put in the effort necessary for their special care needs here in Connecticut.

5. Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys Picta)

The Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) is one of the most beautiful freshwater turtles found in the eastern United States, including states such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. With their brightly coloured shells and striking markings adorning their bodies this species is certainly a sight to behold.

The Eastern Painted Turtle can reach a length of 7-10 inches with males usually smaller than females. They have a streamlined body and webbed feet which allow them to move through the water with ease making them perfectly adapted for life in aquatic habitats like ponds, streams and lakes. In the wild they can live up to 40 years but with proper care and diet they can live up to 20-30 years in captivity; making them an ideal pet option if you’re looking for a long term companion in Connecticut.

These unique little creatures are definitely worth protecting here in Connecticut so by taking steps towards preserving their natural habitats we can help ensure that these vibrant animals remain part of our environment for many years to come!

6. Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

The Common Snapping Turtle, scientifically known as Chelydra serpentina, is an aquatic species native to freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers and swamps. These turtles are highly adaptable and can live up to 50 years in the wild.

Adult Common Snapping Turtles typically measure 10-16 inches in shell length but can grow up to 19 inches and weigh around 40 pounds. They have a powerful bite with an estimated pressure of over 600 psi, making them one of the strongest biters among reptiles. Despite their strength they are generally not aggressive animals, though it is best to not provoke them and take caution around them.

Common Snapping Turtles often face threats from predators such as river otters, bears and coyotes when living out in the wild.

Unfortunately, their habitat is also threatened by human activities such as development and pollution which can lead to a decrease in population numbers if conservation efforts are not taken soon here in Connecticut.

Although they make fascinating pets due to their long lifespan of up to 50 years when cared for properly, some states have regulations or restrictions on owning them so check with local authorities before acquiring this species as a pet.

These turtles have webbed feet for swimming and a long tail for propulsion allowing them to move quickly through water which also makes them difficult prey for predators.

Furthermore, although they occupy multiple states across North America from Alabama to Wyoming there is no other name than the Common Snapping Turtle so it’s easy to identify.

It should be noted that this species does not carry any significant disease that can be transmitted to humans yet they may still be prone to diseases like fungal infections or shell rot when kept in unsanitary conditions so proper care must be taken here in Connecticut when considering owning one of these remarkable creatures as a pet.

7. Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata)

Introducing the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata)! This small, terrestrial and aquatic turtle is native to the eastern United States from Maine down to Connecticut. Adults grow up to 4-5 inches in carapace length, with a weight ranging between half a pound and one pound. Juveniles can measure between 1-3 inches when they hatch.

These animals are quite hardy creatures who generally live peaceably amongst their own kind; however, under threat they may become somewhat aggressive. There are several predators that hunt them such as raccoons, skunks, snakes and birds of prey in this area.

Despite being only mildly domesticated creatures it is possible for these turtles to be kept as pets with specialized care. Prone illnesses include respiratory infections and shell rot – but fortunately this species does not act as a disease carrier itself!

8. Wood Turtle (Glyptemys Insculpta)

The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a semi-aquatic species of reptile native to Eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to West Virginia. It is distinguishable by its dark coloring, with yellowish and orange markings across the shell that can even become brighter in the sun.

Typically measuring between 6 – 10 inches and weighing half a pound up to two pounds, the wood turtle that inhabits Connecticut is both an impressive sight and hardy survivor.

Found mainly near forests where it spends winters asleep in streams, these turtles often venture into grasslands or sandy shores for food during the spring months. Wood turtles aren’t typically aggressive but must still beware as raccoons, coyotes and foxes are among their predators. They even possess a powerful bite force that allows them to break through shells!

9. Atlantic Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas)

The Atlantic Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) is a large sea turtle species found in the warm saltwater environments of the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring seas, ranging from Canada to South America. Nesting typically occurs on sandy beaches from Florida to Brazil.

These critically endangered animals can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds, with males weighing less than females. They are well adapted to life in the ocean, with streamlined bodies, large flippers, and the ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time. In Connecticut, they can be found in oceans and bays, where they feed on algae and seagrass.

Hatchlings and eggs are vulnerable to predators including birds, mammals, reptiles, and humans. Adult turtles have few predators but may be hunted by humans for food or shell trade. They can suffer from fibropapillomatosis, a viral tumor disease which could lead to death if left untreated.

The average lifespan of an Atlantic green sea turtle is estimated at 80 years under proper care; however due to habitat destruction and poaching activities this species is listed as critically endangered. It is therefore illegal to take, keep or sell green sea turtles in the U.S., making it important that local laws be consulted before taking one as a pet.

10. Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Kempii)

The Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Kempii) is a medium-sized sea turtle found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the western Atlantic Ocean. As one of the most endangered species of sea turtles in the world, they are protected under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to own one as a pet in all US states.

These turtles have an average lifespan of 50 years in the wild, with males typically being smaller than females at 2 feet long and 100 pounds while female can weigh up to 200 pounds. Their streamlined body gives them efficient movement through water and their flippers help them swim gracefully.

Sadly, these majestic creatures that inhabit Connecticut face multiple threats such as habitat loss, fishing gear entanglement, egg poaching disturbance, predation from birds and marine mammals and diseases like fibropapillomatosis. Conservation efforts are needed to help protect these turtles so that they can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

11. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea)

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) is one of the most remarkable creatures you can find in the depths of ocean. This majestic creature, also known as simply Leatherback Turtle, has adapted to life at sea by having a streamlined body and flippers that give it an immense advantage for swimming long distances.

It has been known to reach up to 6.7 feet in length and its size can weigh up to 2,000 pounds; thus making this resident of Connecticut one of the largest reptiles on Earth!

This species lives mainly in open ocean habitats with warmer regions such as those around the coasts of California, Florida or Mexico but sometimes ventures near-shore areas looking for food or breeding grounds.

Unfortunately due to human activities like hunting them for their valuable shells or accidental catches while fishing these animals have been classified as endangered (IUCN Red List). We must therefore work together now and take action if we want this species preserved so future generations can enjoy its beauty here in Connecticut.

12. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta)

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is a remarkable species found in the coastal waters, bays, and estuaries of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. This semi-aquatic creature that roams our state of Connecticut has a unique adaptation – its carapace (top shell) is patterned like the skin of a shark, allowing it to blend perfectly with its environment. A fully grown adult can reach up to 3-3.5 ft in length and weigh up to 400 pounds, though there is virtually no size difference between males and females.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles are highly adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, with webbed feet for navigation and long claws for catching their prey such as insects, snails or fish. They can also hold their breath for extended periods of time and have a specialized streamlined body shape which helps reduce drag while swimming.

Unfortunately, due to destruction of its wetland habitats and other human activities, population declines have been reported in some areas; therefore this species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and protected under the Endangered Species Act. So it is important that local authorities be consulted before owning one as they cannot be kept as pets due to their specialized habitat requirements.

Living up to 40-50 years in the wild these gentle creatures rarely show aggression towards humans but should still be respected with caution since they are vulnerable to predation from marine mammals such as sharks or birds and crabs when young.

Final Words

In the state of Connecticut—a place rich in biodiversity—turtles play a significant role; with a variety of species dwelling in its forests, beaches, and rivers.

In this article, we took a closer look at these fascinating creatures (including their natural habitats, lifespan, size and weight, predators, and domesticability). It’s worth noting that, while keeping these turtles as pets is legal; their populations in Connecticut may be declining due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade.

It is our responsibility to ensure that these turtles remain protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy in the state of Connecticut.

Other Nearby States:

• Turtles In New York
• Turtles In Rhode Island
• Turtles In Massachusetts

Resources:

• Connecticut Wildlife
• Connecticut Wildlife Sept/Oct 2015
• Spotted Pond Turtle
• Yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle