Exploring the Unique Personalities of 9 Turtles in Maine

Maine is home to a variety of turtle species, both native and migratory. The most common native turtles are the Eastern painted turtle, the wood turtle, the snapping turtle, the diamondback terrapin and two threatened species: the spotted turtle and Blanding’s Turtle.

In addition to these seven varieties of land-dwelling turtles, two sea turtles—the loggerhead sea turtle and green sea turtle—are also found in Maine’s coastal waters. The rarest of Maine’s turtles is the Eastern box turtle, which inhabits forested wetlands near streams, heaths and marshes where it feeds on worms, slugs and insects.

With its diverse population of aquatic reptiles that inhabit both freshwater lakes as well as nearby coastal waters, Maine truly offers an abundance of options for nature lovers interested in exploring its unique wildlife habitats.

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Blanding Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii)	Type: Freshwater turtle Lifespan: 20-30 years Size: 8-10 inches in carapace length 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	Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus)	Type: Terrestrial and aquatic turtle Lifespan: 10-20 years Size: 4-8 inches Weight: 0.7 pounds
4	Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)	Type: Freshwater turtle Lifespan: 50 years Size: 19 inches Weight: 40 pounds
5	Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)	Type: Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 20 – 30 years Size: Males: Can reach up to 5.5 – 6 inches, Females: 5 – 10 inches Weight: Males: roughly 300 gm, Females: on avg 500 gm
6	Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata)	Type: Semi-Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 60 – 100+ years Size: 4 – 5 inches Weight: 0.5 to 1 pound
7	Wood Turtle (Glyptemys Insculpta)	Type: Semi-aquatic turtle Lifespan: 12+ years Size: 6 to 10 inches Weight: 0.5 – 2 pounds
8	Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)	Type: Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 20-30 years Size: 30 inches Weight: 110 pounds
9	Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea)	Type: Marine turtle Lifespan: 45 years Size: 6.7 feet Weight: 2,000 pounds

9 Turtles You Can Find in Maine

In total, there are 9 species of turtles in the state of Maine. 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. Blanding Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii)

Native to the marshes, swamps, ponds, and slow-moving streams of Eastern North America, the Blanding Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) is a freshwater turtle. Adults measure 8-10 inches in carapace length, and weigh around 1-2 pounds, with little variation between male and female sizes.

These turtles are mild and usually not aggressive, though juveniles and eggs can be preyed on by raccoons, skunks, and birds. Adult Blanding Turtles in Maine can be preyed on by large fish, otters, and humans.

Due to habitat loss and exploitation for the pet trade, these turtles are listed as a Species of Special Concern in some states including Maine, New York, Ohio, and Indiana. However, they are not suitable as pets as they require specialized habitats to thrive. Furthermore, if kept captive they can suffer from illnesses like shell rot or respiratory infections if not maintained properly.

Blanding Turtles are strong swimmers well adapted to life in the water. Conservation efforts should continue in the state of Maine in order to protect this species which plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems within its range from Eastern North America.

Moreover, educational initiatives should be established to educate people about the significance of protecting these turtles before their population further declines.

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 Maine. 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 Maine. It is essential that we take steps to protect this species which calls Maine home by preserving their natural habitats as well as improving public awareness of their plight!

3. 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 Maine. 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 Maine.

4. 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 Maine.

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 Maine when considering owning one of these remarkable creatures as a pet.

5. Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

Have you ever wanted to own a beautiful and unique pet? The Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) may just be the perfect fit for you!

Native to North America, this semi-aquatic reptile lives in Maine’s rivers, lakes, marshes and ponds. The carapace length of these turtles ranges from 4-10 inches long with females being larger than males.

With proper care and clean living conditions, they have an average lifespan of 20-30 years – making them great companion animals for your family or even as solo pets. Just make sure to check what regulations there are in Maine so that you can give your pet painted turtle the best life possible!

6. 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 Maine. 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!

7. 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 Maine 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!

8. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is an aquatic reptile native to the southeastern United States, most commonly found in states such as Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. These majestic creatures that call Maine their home have a long and impressive lifespan of up to 20-30 years with adults reaching up to 30 inches in length and 110 pounds in weight, with males being slightly smaller than females.

The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle has adapted perfectly for life underwater; aquatically equipped with webbed feet and able to hold their breath for extended periods of time allowing them to outswim most danger. The webbing on its feet provides an immensely powerful swimming technique whilst their streamlined bodies provide amazing agility beneath the waves.

Their carapace is a beautiful olive green colour that blends into the environment perfectly, so they can go unnoticed when needed. This species also has no specific predators apart from raccoons, otters and large fish seeking them out as food, which makes them quite a safe species compared to other turtles living closer to shorelines.

Unfortunately they are listed as vulnerable due to their low population size; this is mainly caused by humans polluting our oceans and destroying their natural habitat. It’s important that we work together now to preserve our planet’s natural ecosystems so future generations can appreciate its beauty here in Maine. This is especially true of this beautiful Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle so it may yet be enjoyed long into the future!

9. 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 Maine 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 Maine.

Final Words

In the state of Maine—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 Maine 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 Maine.

Other Nearby States:

• Turtles In New Hampshire

Resources:

• Turtle Talk | IFW Blogs
• Turtle Crossing | IFW Blogs
• Discovering turtles at Northern Maine National Wildlife …
• Wild Turtle Week | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service