Three different small species can be found walking on the bottom of the river or a spring. They are sometimes mistaken for small snapping turtles, but they are small species that do not get bigger than a human fist.
Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Sternotherus minor
ID:
- big head with dark spots
- carapace length*: female 5.0" (128mm); male 5.2" (131mm)
Habitat: river and springs
Diet: carnivore, specializing in snails, crayfish and insects
Nesting season: September - July
- diurnal and nocturnal
- basks rarely
- threatened by collection for the pet trade
- possession limit of 2 individuals [Rule 68A-25.002(9)]
Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
ID:
- 2 yellow lines between eye and nostril
- carapace length*: female 3.3" (83mm); male 3.4" (86mm)
Habitat: rare in river and springs
Diet: omnivore
Nesting season: February - June
- diurnal and nocturnal
- basks occasionally
Stinkpot / Common Musk Turtle
Striped Mud Turtle
Kinosternon baurii
ID:
- 2 hinges on plastron
- 3 light stripes on carapace
- yellow stripes between eye and nostril
- carapace length*: female 4.9" (124mm); male 4.3 (110mm)
Habitat: rare in springs and river
Diet: omnivore
Nesting season: All months except mid-summer
- diurnal and nocturnal
- basks more than other mud and musk turtles