The Hidden World of 4 Turtles in North Dakota
North Dakota is a state known for its vast plains and beautiful scenery, but few know that it’s also home to four species of turtles.
Whether you’re a lover of nature or just looking for something interesting to explore while in the area, these turtles are worth checking out!
The most common type found here is the western painted turtle, but if you really want to get off the beaten path then consider heading down south where you can find false map, smooth softshell and spiny softshell turtles in Lake Oahe and its tributaries. So come take a walk on North Dakota’s wild side – there are plenty of hidden treasures waiting for you!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone Mutica) |
|  |
| 2 | Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera) |
|  |
| 3 | False Map Turtle (Graptemys Pseudogeographica) |
|  |
| 4 | Snapping Turtle |
|  |
4 Turtles You Can Find in North Dakota
In total, there are 4 species of turtles in the state of North Dakota. 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. Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone Mutica)
- Family: Trionychidae
- Genus: Apalone
- Type: Mud turtle
- Natural Habitat: Marshes, streams, drainage ditches, and occasionally ponds.
- Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
- Also Known As: American softshell turtles
- Maximum Size: Males: 4 – 7 inches, females: 7 – 12+ inches
- Maximum Weight: 40+ pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Metabolic bone disease
- Disease Carrier: Foodborne infections, vibrio cholerae
- Aggression Level: Aggressive
- Predators: Turtle eggs are a food source for birds such as racoons and red foxes, as well as bears. younger turtles are prey for large fish and other turtles, as well as mammals like the skunk and armadillo. alligators are the main danger to adult turtles.
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Smooth Softshell Turtle
Smooth Softshell Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Smooth Softshell Turtle
The Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica), is an aquatic species of turtle found across parts of the United States, including North Dakota, Mississippi River valley, Great Lakes region and mid-Atlantic states. With a carapace length making them among the largest freshwater turtles in North America – they range from 4 to 8 inches in size when young but can grow up to 28 inches long and weigh up to 20 pounds as adults.
This unique species has evolved many features that make them ideal for life underwater; possessed with powerful webbed feet for swimming, sharp claws for clinging onto submerged rocks and a flat shell which helps reduce drag – allowing them to move quickly and efficiently through their surroundings.
Unfortunately however, due to loss of habitat, hunting and other factors some populations are now threatened or endangered. Despite this somber message though; I am encouraged that these creatures remain safe from commercial exploitation elsewhere meaning there is still hope yet for this remarkable species!
2. 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 North Dakota. 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!
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
Fully-Grown False Map Turtle
False Map Turtle Hatchling
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 North Dakota before populations decline further due to habitat loss or collection for the pet trade!
4. Snapping Turtle
- 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 Snapping Turtle
Snapping Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Snapping Turtle
Behold, the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra Serpentina), an iconic and powerful reptile found throughout much of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. While there are slight size variations, these aquatic creatures typically grow up to two feet in length and can weigh up to 35 pounds with males and females having similar weights.
Their webbed feet help them move effortlessly through the water and their strong jaws provide them formidable defense if threatened. Sadly, some populations of this species have been placed at risk due to activities such as habitat loss in North Dakota.
But don’t worry; with adequate protection we still have hope for their continued survival – let’s do our part by helping preserve these fascinating creatures!
Final Words
In the state of North Dakota—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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
Other Nearby States:
