Oklahoma is a haven for turtle enthusiasts, boasting a staggering array of 17 different turtle species. Among them are the fierce common snapping turtles, known for their aggressiveness when threatened, and the mighty alligator snapping turtles, the largest freshwater turtles in the United States. Additionally, the state is home to elegant creatures such as the ornate box turtles, which can be found in prairies and grasslands, and the spiny softshell turtles, equipped with their unique leathery shells adorned with spines. From the red-eared sliders to the Mississippi mud turtles, each species has its own distinct characteristics and preferred habitats. Dive into the realm of Oklahoma’s diverse turtle population and discover the wonders that await beneath the surface.
Common Snapping Turtles
Description
Common snapping turtles are aquatic reptiles known for their large size and aggressive nature. They have a rough, dark brown or black shell, or carapace, which can reach lengths of up to 18 inches. Their shells are covered in ridges and bumps, providing them with protection from predators. Their heads are relatively small compared to their body size, with powerful jaws and a hooked beak-like mouth.
Habitat
These turtles can be found in various habitats throughout Oklahoma, including reservoirs, lakes, and other large bodies of water. They prefer areas with thick vegetation and muddy bottoms, where they can burrow and hide. Common snapping turtles are highly adaptable and can survive in both stagnant and flowing waters.
Behavior
Common snapping turtles are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when threatened. If approached or handled incorrectly, they can deliver a powerful bite capable of causing injury. They are primarily solitary animals, except during nesting season when females will travel to suitable nesting sites. These turtles are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, insects, and even small mammals.
Alligator Snapping Turtles
Description
Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in the United States. They have a prehistoric appearance with a heavily textured, dark brown or black carapace. These turtles have a massive head with a large hooked beak, giving them a distinctive and intimidating look. Their shells can reach lengths of up to 26 inches, and they can weigh over 200 pounds, making them true giants of the turtle world.
Habitat
Alligator snapping turtles are typically found in large rivers, lakes, and swamps in Oklahoma. They prefer slow-moving, deep waters with ample vegetation and cover. These turtles are excellent predators and have a unique hunting strategy. They possess a lure on their tongue that resembles a worm, which they use to attract prey.
Behavior
These turtles are relatively sedentary, spending much of their time buried in the mud or resting on the river bottom. They are ambush predators and will lie in wait for their prey to approach before striking with lightning speed. Alligator snapping turtles have been known to capture and consume fish, amphibians, and even small waterfowl. Despite their aggressive appearance, they are generally docile towards humans if left undisturbed.
Mississippi Mud Turtles
Description
Mississippi mud turtles are small aquatic turtles with oval-shaped carapaces. They have a dark brown to blackish carapace with subtle patterns and smooth edges. Compared to other turtle species, Mississippi mud turtles have relatively short legs and a flattened appearance. Their heads are small, and their skin is typically dark in color.
Habitat
These turtles can be found in swamps, marshes, and bogs throughout Oklahoma. They thrive in areas with abundant vegetation and shallow waters. Mississippi mud turtles are excellent climbers and are often found perched on logs or vegetation near the water’s edge.
Behavior
Mississippi mud turtles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various aquatic plants and algae. They are also opportunistic feeders and will consume small invertebrates if available. These turtles are relatively shy and will retreat into the water when approached. They are known for their ability to remain hidden and blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot in their natural habitat.
Yellow Mud Turtles
Description
Yellow mud turtles are small to medium-sized turtles with a unique yellow coloration on their shells. They have tan to olive-colored shells with subtle patterns and smooth edges. These turtles have relatively long necks and legs compared to other mud turtle species. Their heads are small, and their skin is typically dark in color.
Habitat
Yellow mud turtles prefer ponds, marshes, and other shallow bodies of water in Oklahoma. They are often found in areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation. These turtles are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water.
Behavior
These turtles are mainly herbivorous, feeding on various aquatic plants and algae. They will also consume small invertebrates if available. Yellow mud turtles are relatively shy and will retreat into the water when approached. They are known for their ability to dig burrows in muddy areas, providing them with protection and shelter.
Common Musk Turtles
Description
Common musk turtles, also known as stinkpots, are small aquatic turtles with a distinct aroma. They have a dark brown or black carapace with a rough texture and a rounded appearance. These turtles have relatively short necks and legs. Their heads are small and triangular in shape.
Habitat
Common musk turtles can be found in boggy and marshy areas throughout Oklahoma. They prefer bodies of water with plenty of vegetation and cover. These turtles are excellent climbers and can often be found perched on logs or rocks near the water’s edge.
Behavior
As their name suggests, common musk turtles emit a strong odor from their musk glands, which they use as a defense mechanism against predators. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, small fish, and plant matter. Common musk turtles are generally docile and will retreat into the water when approached.
Razor-Backed Musk Turtles
Description
Razor-backed musk turtles, also known as razorbacks, are small to medium-sized turtles with distinctive shell characteristics. They have brownish black to grayish olive shells with distinct ridges or humps on their scutes. These turtles have relatively short necks and legs. Their heads are small and triangular in shape.
Habitat
Razor-backed musk turtles can be found in various aquatic habitats throughout Oklahoma, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation and cover. These turtles are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water.
Behavior
Razor-backed musk turtles are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey such as insects, small fish, and plant matter. They are relatively shy and will retreat into the water when approached. When threatened, these turtles can quickly hide in the mud or bury themselves in sandy bottoms.
Common Map Turtles
Description
Common map turtles are medium-sized turtles with distinctive shell markings. They have brown or olive-colored shells with intricate patterns and markings that resemble contour lines on a map. These turtles have relatively long necks, legs, and tails. Their heads are small, and their skin is usually dark in color.
Habitat
Common map turtles are found throughout Oklahoma in various bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. They prefer areas with flowing water and abundant sunlight. These turtles are excellent baskers and can often be seen sunning themselves on logs or rocks.
Behavior
These turtles are omnivorous and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, crayfish, and aquatic plants. They are quite active and agile in the water, using their webbed feet to navigate and swim. Common map turtles are relatively shy and will dive into the water when approached.
Mississippi Map Turtles
Description
Mississippi map turtles, also known as sawbacks, are medium-sized turtles with unique shell markings. They have green to olive-colored shells with intricate patterns and markings that resemble contour lines on a map. These turtles have relatively long necks, legs, and tails. Their heads are small, and their skin is usually dark in color.
Habitat
Mississippi map turtles can be found in various bodies of water throughout Oklahoma, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. They prefer areas with flowing water and plenty of vegetation. These turtles are excellent climbers and can often be seen perched on logs or rocks near the water’s edge.
Behavior
These turtles are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. They are quite active and agile in the water, using their webbed feet to navigate and swim. Mississippi map turtles are generally shy and will dive into the water when approached.
Ouachita Map Turtles
Description
Ouachita map turtles are medium-sized turtles with distinct shell characteristics. They have brown to olive-colored shells with intricate patterns and markings. These turtles have lightly colored patches behind their eyes, which differentiate them from other map turtle species. They have relatively long necks, legs, and tails. Their heads are small, and their skin is usually dark in color.
Habitat
Ouachita map turtles can be found in various bodies of water throughout Oklahoma, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. They prefer areas with flowing water and abundant vegetation. These turtles are excellent climbers and baskers, often spotted sunning themselves on logs or rocks.
Behavior
These turtles are omnivorous and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, small fish, and aquatic plants. They are quite active in the water, using their webbed feet to navigate and swim. Ouachita map turtles are relatively shy and will dive into the water when approached.
Smooth Softshell Turtles
Description
Smooth softshell turtles are large aquatic turtles with unique shell characteristics. They have leathery, pancake-shaped shells that lack the hard scutes found in other turtle species. These turtles have a dark brown to olive coloration on their shells. They have relatively small heads, long necks, and webbed feet.
Habitat
Smooth softshell turtles can be found in larger rivers and some lakes in Oklahoma. They prefer areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can bury themselves and ambush prey. These turtles are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water.
Behavior
These turtles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are well-adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, with a streamlined shape and powerful jaws for catching and consuming prey. Smooth softshell turtles are generally docile and will retreat into the water when approached.
Overall, Oklahoma is home to a diverse range of turtle species, each with their own unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. These turtles play important roles in the ecosystem, contributing to the balance of aquatic environments. Whether it’s the armored aggression of the snapping turtles or the gentle nature of the map turtles, each species has its own charm and significance in the world of turtles.