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River Cooter

River Cooter

Pseudemys concinna

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Wetland
Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)
Lifespan: 20 years on average

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.

Diet

Feed primarily on aquatic vegetation

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Reptilia
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Order: Testudines
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Family: Emydidae
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Genus: Pseudemys
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Species: Pseudemys concinna

Scientific Name

Pseudemys concinna

Common Name

River Cooter
Breeding Season
Early spring
Nesting Season
Late April-mid July
Lifespan
20 years on average

Behavior

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.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Native to the central and eastern United States, but has been introduced into parts of California, Washington, and British Columbia.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

Threats & Impacts

The river cooter is faced with loss of habitat, predation by animals, slaughter on the highways, and use as a food source by some people. Hatchlings are particularly vulnerable. In Indiana, the river cooter is listed as an endangered species.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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