The Hidden Wonders of 5 Turtles in Colorado
The beautiful and diverse state of Colorado is home to an array of wildlife, including five species of turtles. Four species are aquatic; the western painted turtle, snapping turtle, yellow mud turtle and the spiny softshell turtle. The sole terrestrial variety is the ornate box turtle.
These creatures have adapted over thousands of years to survive in their respective environments and can be found throughout much of the state’s rivers, lakes and meadows. From small mountain streams to expansive marshes covering hundreds of acres, these resilient animals have made their homes amongst some of North America’s most stunning landscapes.
Join us as we explore this unique corner of nature and learn about these wonderful turtles that call Colorado home!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon Flavescens) |
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| 2 | Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) |
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| 3 | Western Painted Turtle |
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| 4 | Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata Ornata) |
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| 5 | Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera) |
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5 Turtles You Can Find in Colorado
In total, there are 5 species of turtles in the state of Colorado. 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. Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon Flavescens)
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Genus: Kinosternon
- Type: Freshwater turtle
- Natural Habitat: Found in habitats ranging from slow-moving rivers to permanent ponds, including floodplain swamps and seasonal wetlands.
- Lifespan: 20 – 30+ years
- Maximum Size: 5 – 12 inches
- Maximum Weight: 10 – 35 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Shell disease
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive
- Predators: Raccoons, alligators
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Yellow Mud Turtle
Yellow Mud Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Yellow Mud Turtle
The Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) is a remarkable creature, found in habitats ranging from slow-moving rivers to permanent ponds. This freshwater turtle is typically 5 to 12 inches long and can live up to 30 plus years! It has an interesting yellowish shell with black markings on its upper carapace that sometimes feature red or orange hues along the edges; making it stand out among other species of turtles.
Yellow mud turtles are not aggressive creatures, preferring solitude apart from mating season when we often find several males competing for the same female. These reptiles have many predators such as raccoons and alligators who prey on them easily due to their small size and lack of protection against enemies.
Sadly, this species faces endangerment in Colorado due largely to destruction of its habitats which require conservation efforts if we wish future generations will enjoy seeing Yellow Mud Turtles back thriving in nature just like today!
2. Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
- Family: Chelydridae
- Genus: Chelydra
- Type: Freshwater turtle
- Natural Habitat: Freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and swamps
- Lifespan: 50 years
- Maximum Size: 19 inches
- Maximum Weight: 40 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Fungal infections and shell rot
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive until provoked
- Predators: River otters, bears and coyotes
- Domestication: Not recommended as pets
Fully-Grown Common Snapping Turtle
Common Snapping Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Common Snapping Turtle
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 Colorado.
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 Colorado when considering owning one of these remarkable creatures as a pet.
3. Western Painted Turtle
- Family: Emydidae
- Genus: Chrysemys
- Type: Aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: Likes bodies of water with soft mud floors and abundant aquatic plants, e.g. rivers, lakes, wetlands, oxbows, ponds, ditches, and reservoirs.
- Lifespan: Usually 20 – 30 years, but in better habitat can live up to 50 years
- Maximum Size: 4 – 6 inches
- Maximum Weight: Gets about 1 pound
- Prone to Diseases: Vitamin deficiencies, metabolic bone disease, and intestinal parasites
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Aggressive baskers
- Predators: Raccoons, skunks, foxes, herons, other birds, snakes, and large predaceous fish
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Western Painted Turtle
Western Painted Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Western Painted Turtle
The Western Painted Turtle, scientifically known as Chrysemys picta bellii, is an aquatic creature native to North America. It can be found in states such as Colorado; making its way up right into British Columbia in Canada. Adults typically measure between 9-10 inches in length while juveniles/hatchlings are smaller at around 2-3 inches.
They live in freshwater habitats such as ponds, rivers and lakes where they swim with ease due to their long tails and streamlined shells of webbed feet. Although usually not aggressive creatures, they have predators that include raccoons and herons among others which make them a species of special concern in some regions.
In most US states it is legal to keep Western Painted Turtles as pets with proper care but one should always check local regulations for necessary requirements first.
4. Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata Ornata)
- Family: Emydidae
- Genus: Terrapene
- Type: Terrestrial turtle
- Natural Habitat: Open landscapes such as pastures, prairies, and lightly forested areas
- Lifespan: 30 – 40 years
- Also Known As: Western box turtle
- Maximum Size: 4-5 inches
- Maximum Weight: 1-1.5 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Vitamin deficiency, respiratory diseases
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Males display a tendency towards aggressive behavior, including biting and clashing their shells against each other
- Predators: Birds, such as crows, raptors, and ravens; domestic cats and dogs; opossums; raccoons; skunks; snakes; and even adult box turtles
- Domestication: Can be kept as pet
Fully-Grown Ornate Box Turtle
Ornate Box Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Ornate Box Turtle
Have you ever wondered what kind of magical creature might be lurking in the forests and wetlands of Colorado? Well, say hello to the Ornate Box Turtle! This amazing animal is closely related to its box turtle cousins, but it can also be identified by its intricate patterned shell – hence its name.
With a small head and body covered in an ornately patterned carapace or upper shell that’s usually brown with yellowish-orange markings, these turtles stand out from the crowd.
It spends most of its time hiding under cover while searching for food such as snails and insects, often seen out on warm summer days. So next time you take a walk through Colorado, keep your eyes open for the Ornate Box Turtle – after all, who knows what else might be living there!
5. Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera)
- Family: Trionychidae
- Genus: Apalone
- Type: Freshwater turtle
- Natural Habitat: Predominantly discovered in rivers and lakes, can also be found in nearby creek beds and smaller water bodies such as ditches and ponds.
- Lifespan: 40+ years
- Also Known As: Spinifera (spine-bearing), spiny
- Maximum Size: 8 – 20+ inches
- Maximum Weight: 25 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Vitamin deficiencies, metabolic bone disease, and intestinal parasites
- Disease Carrier: Foodborne infections, vibrio cholerae
- Aggression Level: Aggressive when threatened
- Predators: Raccoons, skunks, and foxes frequently disrupt the nesting sites of spiny softshell turtles. while young softshell turtles face predation from raccoons, herons, and big fish, adult turtles mainly fall victim to human hunting and lack significant natural predators.
- Domestication: Cane be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Spiny Softshell Turtle
Spiny Softshell Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Spiny Softshell Turtle
The Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera) is a species of freshwater turtle found in the rivers, streams and lakes across Colorado. They are an impressive creature with adults reaching 8-14 inches in length and males weighing up to 3 pounds while females can reach up to 8 pounds. These turtles have remarkable adaptations such as webbed feet, streamline shells and long snorkel like nasal tubes for breathing underwater.
Unfortunately, some populations of these beautiful creatures may be declining due to rapid habitat loss or exploitation but luckily they are not currently listed as endangered species – yet.
When given proper care, maintenance and facilities these turtles can make great pets; however it’s best practice to always check with local authorities first because it might be illegal from state to state. They are usually quite gentle but can become aggressive when feeling threatened or cornered so it’s crucial for their owners to educate themselves about how best handle them correctly.
By taking the necessary steps we can ensure that this amazing species will continue to thrive!
Final Words
In the state of Colorado—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 Colorado 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 Colorado.
Other Nearby States:
- Turtles In New Mexico
- Turtles In Oklahoma
- Turtles In Utah
- Turtles In Wyoming
- Turtles In Arizona
- Turtles In Nebraska
