The Adventures of 8 Turtles in New Hampshire
Are you ready to learn the amazing facts about the eight turtles that inhabit New Hampshire? Well, if so, then buckle up because it’s time for an adventure!
New Hampshire is home to six incredible species of native freshwater turtles: Blanding’s (state endangered), spotted (state threatened), wood (species of special concern), painted, snapping, and musk turtles.
All these unique creatures have fascinating stories worth exploring – from their natural habitats to their diet and behavior. So come along with us as we dive into the world of turtles in New Hampshire!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Blanding Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) |
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| 2 | Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina) |
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| 3 | Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus) |
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| 4 | Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) |
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| 5 | Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) |
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| 6 | Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata) |
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| 7 | Wood Turtle (Glyptemys Insculpta) |
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| 8 | Red Eared Slider (Trachemys Scripta Elegans) |
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8 Turtles You Can Find in New Hampshire
In total, there are 8 species of turtles in the state of New Hampshire. 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
Fully-Grown Blanding Turtle
Blanding Turtle Hatchling
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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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)
- Family: Emydidae
- Genus: Terrapene
- Type: Terrestrial turtle
- Natural Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, meadows, and fields
- Lifespan: 60 years
- Also Known As: Eastern terrapin
- Maximum Size: 4-10 inches
- Maximum Weight: Male: 1 pounds, females: 2 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Respiratory infections, shell rot, and other diseases
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive towards humans
- Predators: Raccoons, skunks, opossums, and snakes
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Eastern Box Turtle
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 New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire. It is essential that we take steps to protect this species which calls New Hampshire home by preserving their natural habitats as well as improving public awareness of their plight!
3. Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus)
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Genus: Sternotherus
- Type: Terrestrial and aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: Streams, rivers, ponds, and swamps in eastern north america
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Also Known As: Stinkpot
- Maximum Size: 4-8 inches
- Maximum Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Respiratory infections and shell rot
- Aggression Level: Agressive but not known to bite humans
- Predators: Raccoons, mink, birds of prey, and large fish
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Common Musk Turtle
Common Musk Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Common Musk Turtle
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 New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire.
4. Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
- Family: Emydidae
- Genus: Chrysemys
- Type: Aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: Rivers, streams, and large ponds in the northern united states
- Lifespan: 20 – 30 years
- Maximum Size: Males: can reach up to 5.5 – 6 inches, females: 5 – 10 inches
- Maximum Weight: Males: roughly 300 gm, females: on avg 500 gm
- Prone to Diseases: Shell infections
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive
- Predators: Raccoons, skunks, foxes, herons, other birds, snakes, and large predaceous fish
Fully-Grown Painted Turtle
Painted Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Painted Turtle
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 New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire so that you can give your pet painted turtle the best life possible!
5. 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 New Hampshire.
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 New Hampshire when considering owning one of these remarkable creatures as a pet.
6. Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata)
- Family: Emydinae rafinesque
- Genus: Clemmys
- Type: Semi-aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: Marshy meadows, ponds, ditches, bogs, swamps, etc. as small bodies of still water.
- Lifespan: 60 – 100+ years
- Maximum Size: 4 – 5 inches
- Maximum Weight: 0.5 to 1 pound
- Prone to Diseases: Vitamin a deficiency, respiratory diseases, abscesses, shell infections and fractures, and parasites
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Coexisting is possible for spotted turtles, but housing male individuals together may lead to aggression.
- Predators: Mammals, such as raccoons, muskrats, birds and large fishes.
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Spotted Turtle
Spotted Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Spotted Turtle
Introducing the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata)! This small, terrestrial and aquatic turtle is native to the eastern United States from Maine down to New Hampshire. 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)
- Family: Emydidae
- Genus: Glyptemys
- Type: Semi-aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: They prefer to sleep in streams surrounded by forests during the winter but venture out to grasslands, barren areas, and sandy shores for food and nesting during the spring.
- Lifespan: 12+ years
- Maximum Size: 6 to 10 inches
- Maximum Weight: 0.5 – 2 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Selenosis, metabolic disease
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive
- Predators: Raccoons, coyotes, and foxes, arious mammals, fishes, and birds prey
- Domestication: Can be kept as pet if collected from a collector
Fully-Grown Wood Turtle
Wood Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Wood Turtle
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 New Hampshire 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. 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
Fully-Grown Red Eared Slider
Red Eared Slider Hatchling
Fully-Grown Red Eared Slider
The Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a freshwater reptile with a striking appearance. Found in New Hampshire’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!
Final Words
In the state of New Hampshire—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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
Other Nearby States:
