The Wondrous Ways of 11 Turtles in Wisconsin

Welcome to Wisconsin, the beautiful Midwestern state home to a wide variety of wildlife – including 11 species of turtles! From the aquatic Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle and Wood Turtle, to the terrestrial Blanding’s Turtle and Western Painted Turtle; these creatures provide an interesting insight into Wisconsin’s vibrant ecosystem.

Most turtles in Wisconsin often hibernate during winter months before emerging in springtime for breeding season which usually takes place in August. This fascinating phenomenon is just one example of how turtles play an integral role in maintaining balance within their environment.

Join me as we explore further into the world of Turtles in Wisconsin and discover more about this captivating creature!

#	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	Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata Ornata)	Type: Terrestrial turtle Lifespan: 30 – 40 years Size: 4-5 inches Weight: 1-1.5 pounds
3	False 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
4	Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys Geographica)	Type: Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 20+ years Size: Males: Can reach up to 6 inches, Females: Can reach up to 10 inches Weight: Males: 150-400 gm, Females: 1.5-5.5 pounds
5	Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys Ouachitensis)	Type: Aquatic turtle Lifespan: 30 – 50 years Size: Males: 3 to 6.5 inches, Females: 4.0 to roughly 11 inches Weight: 1.5 – 4.5 pounds
6	Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus)	Type: Semi-aquatic turtle Lifespan: 20 to 30 years Size: 5.5 inches Weight: 11.22 ounces
7	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
8	Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)	Type: Freshwater turtle Lifespan: 50 years Size: 19 inches Weight: 40 pounds
9	Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone Mutica)	Type: Mud turtle Lifespan: 10 to 20 years Size: Males: 4 – 7 inches, Females: 7 – 12+ inches Weight: 40+ pounds
10	Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera)	Type: Freshwater turtle Lifespan: 40+ years Size: 8 – 20+ inches Weight: 25 pounds
11	Wood Turtle (Glyptemys Insculpta)	Type: Semi-aquatic turtle Lifespan: 12+ years Size: 6 to 10 inches Weight: 0.5 – 2 pounds

11 Turtles You Can Find in Wisconsin

In total, there are 11 species of turtles in the state of Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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)

Have you ever wondered what kind of magical creature might be lurking in the forests and wetlands of Wisconsin? 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 Wisconsin, 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)

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 Wisconsin before populations decline further due to habitat loss or collection for the pet trade!

4. Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys Geographica)

The Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) is a species of aquatic turtle native to the rivers, streams and large ponds in the northern United States. They can reach up to 10 inches in carapace length with male size being smaller than female. Adults don’t have many natural predators but juveniles are preyed upon by birds, mammals and larger fish.

These strong swimmers have an excellent carapace for protection from danger and they can live up to 20-25 years if properly cared for! Given their beautiful markings, it’s no surprise that these turtles are becoming increasingly popular as pets – just remember they must be treated with care and may require permits depending on the state, including Wisconsin. They’re also prone to respiratory infections when kept in captivity so it’s important to monitor them closely.

Luckily, this majestic species isn’t endangered yet – though population numbers may be decreasing rapidly in certain areas. The Northern Map Turtles can are easily found living around Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin among other US states!

5. Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys Ouachitensis)

Have you ever seen the magnificent Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis)? This freshwater turtle is found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and oxbow lakes in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

With adult sizes measuring 8-11 inches in length, these turtles make for a great pet – though it’s important to check local regulations as Wisconsin may have different restrictions when it comes to owning a turtle.

They are not aggressive by nature but can fall prey to predators like raccoons and otters or even large fish or birds of prey on occasion. When cared for properly, these turtles can live up to 20-30 years!

6. Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus Odoratus)

The Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is a semi-aquatic species of turtle found in many freshwater habitats across the southeastern United States, including states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

These turtles are generally quite docile and not aggressive. They can reach a shell length of up to 5.5 inches with males being typically smaller than females and will weigh around 11.22 ounces when fully grown.

These turtles are well adapted to life in the water thanks to their webbed feet which helps them to swim gracefully in their aquatic homes. They can even be kept as pets if you have the correct enclosure and diet set up for them; however regulations in Wisconsin may vary so double-check before taking on an Eastern Musk Turtle as a pet.

Eastern Musk Turtles prey on small invertebrates living close to the water’s surface or small fish from time to time; however they too are preyed upon by animals such as raccoons and birds of prey looking for an easy meal! If given proper care these turtles can live up to 30 years old although illnesses like shell rot or respiratory infections can occur if not cared for correctly.

It’s important that we take steps towards preserving their natural habitats and increasing public awareness about this species that calls Wisconsin home!

7. 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 Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin so that you can give your pet painted turtle the best life possible!

8. 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 Wisconsin.

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

9. Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone Mutica)

The Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica), is an aquatic species of turtle found across parts of the United States, including Wisconsin, 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!

10. Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera)

The Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone Spinifera) is a species of freshwater turtle found in the rivers, streams and lakes across Wisconsin. 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!

11. 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 Wisconsin 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!

Final Words

In the state of Wisconsin—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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

Other Nearby States:

• Turtles In Michigan
• Turtles In Minnesota
• Turtles In Illinois
• Turtles In Iowa

Resources:

• COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL
• Events – Wisconsin DNR
• Education | Wisconsin DNR
• Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingi)/Purple Loosestrife