Turtles in Nebraska

The Curious Ways of 9 Turtles in Nebraska

A surprising variety of shelled critters inhabit the Cornhusker State! From Blanding’s Turtles to Spiny Softshells, this article will explore the nine species of turtles that you can find in Nebraska. You’ll learn about their unique characteristics, habits, habitats and food sources as we take a closer look at these amazing animals. So join us on our journey and discover why so many turtles call Nebraska home!

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1Blanding Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii)
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Lifespan: 20-30 years
  • Size: 8-10 inches in carapace length
  • Weight: 1-2 pounds
Adult Blanding Turtle
2Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata Ornata)
  • Type: Terrestrial turtle
  • Lifespan: 30 – 40 years
  • Size: 4-5 inches
  • Weight: 1-1.5 pounds
Adult Ornate Box Turtle
3False Map Turtle (Graptemys Pseudogeographica)
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
  • Size: Females 8-10 inches; males reach 4-6 inches
  • Weight: Females 4 lbs; males 0.8 lbs
Adult False Map Turtle
4Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon Flavescens)
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Lifespan: 20 – 30+ years
  • Size: 5 – 12 inches
  • Weight: 10 – 35 pounds
Adult Yellow Mud Turtle
5Western Painted Turtle
  • Type: Aquatic turtle
  • Lifespan: usually 20 – 30 years, but in better habitat can live up to 50 years
  • Size: 4 – 6 inches
  • Weight: Gets about 1 pound
Adult Western Painted Turtle
6Red Eared Slider (Trachemys Scripta Elegans)
  • Type: Aquatic turtle
  • Lifespan: 20 – 30 years
  • Size: 7 – 12 inches, Females get larger than 12 inches
  • Weight: 3 – 6 pounds
Adult Red Eared Slider
7Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Lifespan: 50 years
  • Size: 19 inches
  • Weight: 40 pounds
Adult Common Snapping Turtle
8Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica mutica)
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Lifespan: 25-30 years
  • Size: 10 inches
Adult Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
9Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera)
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Lifespan: 40+ years
  • Size: 8 – 20+ inches
  • Weight: 25 pounds
Adult Spiny Softshell Turtle

9 Turtles You Can Find in Nebraska

In total, there are 9 species of turtles in the state of Nebraska. 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)

  • Family: Emydidae
  • Genus: Emydoidea
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Natural Habitat: Marshes, swamps, ponds, and slow-moving streams in eastern north america
  • Lifespan: 20-30 years
  • Maximum Size: 8-10 inches in carapace length
  • Maximum Weight: 1-2 pounds
  • Prone to Diseases: Shell rot, respiratory infections, and skin infections
  • Aggression Level: Mild
  • Predators: Juveniles and eggs – raccoons, skunks, and birds; adults – large fish and otters
  • Domestication: Not suitable as pets
Adult Blanding Turtle

Fully-Grown Blanding Turtle

Blanding Turtle Babies

Blanding Turtle Hatchling

Adult Blanding Turtle

Fully-Grown Blanding Turtle

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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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. 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
See Also  The Surprising Habits of 21 Turtles in Maryland
Adult Ornate Box Turtle

Fully-Grown Ornate Box Turtle

Ornate Box Turtle Babies

Ornate Box Turtle Hatchling

Adult Ornate Box Turtle

Fully-Grown Ornate Box Turtle

Have you ever wondered what kind of magical creature might be lurking in the forests and wetlands of Nebraska? 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 Nebraska, keep your eyes open for the Ornate Box Turtle – after all, who knows what else might be living there!

3. False Map Turtle (Graptemys Pseudogeographica)

  • Family: Emydidae
  • Genus: Graptemys
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Natural Habitat: Large rivers, lakes and backwaters of the mississippi river system
  • Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
  • Maximum Size: Females 8-10 inches; males reach 4-6 inches
  • Maximum Weight: Females 4 lbs; males 0.8 lbs
  • Prone to Diseases: Respiratory infections, shell rot, and other health issues
  • Aggression Level: Low
  • Predators: Birds of prey, raccoons, and other large mammals
  • Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Adult False Map Turtle

Fully-Grown False Map Turtle

False Map Turtle Babies

False Map Turtle Hatchling

Adult False Map Turtle

Fully-Grown False Map Turtle

False Map Turtles are freshwater turtles native to the large rivers, lakes and backwaters of the Mississippi River system. Males grow up to 6 inches in length and can weigh up to 0.8lbs, while females typically reach 8-10 inches in size and weigh 4 lbs.

This species is well adapted for aquatic life – with a streamlined shell and strong legs for swimming, they are graceful swimmers. Best known for their intricate map-like shell patterning, these turtles have relatively low levels of aggression so can be kept as pets under supervision with proper care and nutrition.

Despite not being considered endangered yet, we must protect False Map Turtle habitats throughout Nebraska before populations decline further due to habitat loss or collection for the pet trade!

4. 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
Adult Yellow Mud Turtle

Fully-Grown Yellow Mud Turtle

Yellow Mud Turtle Babies

Yellow Mud Turtle Hatchling

Adult Yellow Mud Turtle

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 Nebraska 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!

5. 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
See Also  The Wonders of 11 Turtles in Minnesota
Adult Western Painted Turtle

Fully-Grown Western Painted Turtle

Western Painted Turtle Babies

Western Painted Turtle Hatchling

Adult Western Painted Turtle

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 Nebraska; 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.

6. Red Eared Slider (Trachemys Scripta Elegans)

  • Family: Emydidae
  • Genus: Trachemys
  • Type: Aquatic turtle
  • Natural Habitat: Streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes
  • Lifespan: 20 – 30 years
  • Also Known As: Red-eared terrapin
  • Maximum Size: 7 – 12 inches, females get larger than 12 inches
  • Maximum Weight: 3 – 6 pounds
  • Prone to Diseases: Respiratory infections, shell rot, and other diseases if kept in unsanitary conditions.
  • Disease Carrier: Salmonella
  • Aggression Level: Not aggressive
  • Predators: Raccoons, otters, fish, frogs, snakes, skunks and birds
  • Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Adult Red Eared Slider

Fully-Grown Red Eared Slider

Red Eared Slider Babies

Red Eared Slider Hatchling

Adult Red Eared Slider

Fully-Grown Red Eared Slider

The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a freshwater reptile with a striking appearance. Found in Nebraska’s waterways, these turtles can reach up to 10-12 inches long as adults and can live for an impressive 30 years. They have webbed feet that are adapted for swimming, making them incredibly agile aquatic creatures.

Males and females exhibit different size ranges, with males being more diminutive compared to the females and juveniles measuring only 2-3 inches when fully grown. Although they may take on aggressive postures if threatened, their bite force is not enough to cause any damage to humans or other larger animals.

It’s important that we respect the habitats of these amazing reptiles so that future generations will be able to enjoy them too – keep their environments clean by disposing of garbage properly and avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystems where they make their homes!

7. 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
Adult Common Snapping Turtle

Fully-Grown Common Snapping Turtle

Common Snapping Turtle Babies

Common Snapping Turtle Hatchling

Adult Common Snapping Turtle

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 Nebraska.

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.

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

8. Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica mutica)

  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Genus: Apalone
  • Type: Freshwater turtle
  • Natural Habitat: Slow-moving streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds in the midwestern and southeastern united states
  • Lifespan: 25-30 years
  • Maximum Size: 10 inches
  • Prone to Diseases: Shell rot and respiratory infections
  • Aggression Level: Mild, non-aggressive species
  • Predators: Alligators, large fish, and snapping turtles
  • Domestication: Can be kept in captivity
Adult Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle

Fully-Grown Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle

Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle Babies

Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle Hatchling

Adult Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle

Fully-Grown Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle

Native to the midwestern and southeastern United States, including Nebraska, the Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica mutica) is a majestic freshwater species.

With adults typically reaching 7-8 inches in length and some individuals even reaching up to 10 inches, these turtles weigh an average of 1-4 pounds with no significant size variations between males and females. They can be found in slow-moving streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds and display mild, non-aggressive behavior.

Despite not being commonly kept as pets, if taken into captivity they require proper care such as providing a balanced diet and a clean environment. Furthermore, they may be vulnerable to shell rot and respiratory infections if kept in unclean or poorly ventilated environments. Predation from alligators, large fish, birds of prey or raccoons may occur whilst eggs and hatchlings are prone to predation from skunks or other predators.

Although not currently listed as endangered by IUCN standards – populations of Midland Smooth Softshell Turtles may be declining due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade.

These aquatic creatures are also found in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri , Mississippi , Ohio , Oklahoma , Tennessee ,and Texas. Respectful caution should also be taken when spotting a Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle since although rarely aggressive towards humans – they are still considered vulnerable according to IUCN standards and hence should not be disturbed needlessly even if encountered in nature during your visit at Nebraska.

9. 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
Adult Spiny Softshell Turtle

Fully-Grown Spiny Softshell Turtle

Spiny Softshell Turtle Babies

Spiny Softshell Turtle Hatchling

Adult Spiny Softshell Turtle

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 Nebraska. 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 Nebraska—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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska.

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