Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Status: Special Concern

The snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in Ontario and also the most prehistoric looking. This turtle has a long tail with triangular spikes along it and a coarsely serrated shell. These turtles can have shell lengths of up to 43 cm!

Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata)

This turtle has an olive or black shell with red markings around the edges. The upper shell is smooth and flat and can grow to a length of 12-18 cm. This turtle also has red or yellow markings on its head and neck.

Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)

This turtle is named for markings on its shell that resemble a topographical map. The upper shell is usually a dark green with yellow lines running throughout it. The maximum size of a female’s shell being 27 cm and the maximum size of a male’s shell being 14 cm. These turtles have large paddle-like limbs that help them traverse through large and deep bodies of water.

Eastern Musk Turtle
(Sternotherus odoratus)

The eastern musk turtle has a small domed shell that is mostly brown with some black flecking and can reach a maximum length of 10-11 cm. Adults have a yellow stripe above and below the eye on either side of its head. This turtle is called the musk turtle or “stinkpot” turtle because of a strong odor it will emit when threatened.

Blanding’s Turtle (emydoidea blandingii)

Status: Threatened

This turtle has a large domed shell with light coloured flecking throughout. The most identifiable feature of this turtle is its bright yellow chin and throat. The bottom of it’s shell is yellow with dark blotches on each scute (scale on shell). Their maximum shell length can reach 27 cm.