A medium sized freshwater turtle that can often be seen piled up basking on rocks or logs. Overall, the shells of adult turtles are relatively flattened, elongated, and oval-shaped with light and dark brown markings. Each shell is distinctively different, but most include green, yellow, brown, and black patterns. The plastron (underside of shell) is typically yellow. Adult females tend to be larger on average than adult males. Additionally, the shells of male river cooters are flatter than that of females. Males also possess elongated fore claws as compared to females. River cooters tend to have yellow stripes running along their heads and necks.
Wetland
Native to the central and eastern United States, but has been introduced into parts of California, Washington, and British Columbia.
Common
Diurnal
Feed primarily on aquatic vegetation
The river cooter basks on logs or sun-warmed rocks, and is frequently found in the company of other aquatic basking turtles sometimes piled up on top of each other. All are quick to slip into the water if disturbed. It sleeps in the water, hidden under vegetation. Turtles that live in colder climates hibernate for several months in the mud on the bottom of the rivers, lakes, and ponds, in which they reside. When hibernating, river cooters can stay underwater for up to two months without needing to make trips to the surface to breathe.
Least Concern
