As the Mississippi Map Turtles age the map pattern on the back, as well as the keel become less and less visible. 1816 South Oak Street, MC 652 Champaign, IL 61820 217-333-6880 cms@inhs.illinois.edu Diet: Common Musk turtles are omnivorous and feed on small aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, aquatic plants, and carrion, and any other kind of fruit or vegetable that they can find. Where it lives: Map turtles can be found in waters that are stagnant or slow moving, and that have a lot of vegetation. Turtles In Kentucky. They can live up to 138 years because this turtle is slow to mature. Data deficient (DD) – Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction. The United States is home to more turtle species than any other country in the world, almost 100 species and subspecies. The lower side of the shell is usually plain yellow, but in some cases there can be small colored spots. Adding a turtle to your home can be a great way to gain a new pet that will be with you for years.There are hundreds of turtle types, though, ranging from sea turtles to snapping turtles and much, much more. Place the turtle in a container or box. Generally turtles are peaceful creatures, but if they think that they are in danger and they have no way of escaping, then they will definitely try to bite you. Description: The Mississippi Map Turtle is usually colored, olive, brown or black. Quick list of the native turtles of Illinois: Now let’s take a closer look at the native turtles of Illinois. If you must handle a snapping turtle, always keep your hands on the hind legs or on the very rear portion of its shell. Turtles don’t have a strong natural smell. They also nest in exposed sand or soil in yards, along railroad tracks and trails edges, in agricultural fields, and in crushed limestone trails, especially if these areas are near permanent water. The long tail of a snapping turtle should not be used to lift the turtle, since the weight of the body can sever the turtle’s spine. Reproduction: Nesting season usually starts in late May and lasts until August. How long it can live: Between 40 and 60 years. On the one hand, the thirty eight species recorded in the state puts it at the above average range for snake diversity. In Illinois, the rabbits live in open and wooded areas in rural and urban settings. The whole process takes one-two months. Razorback Musk Turtles. Female turtles are often struck while searching for nest sites during the spring and summer months, and turtles of all ages and both sexes are struck when they migrate between water sources during the late summer and fall. Description: The color of the Ouachita Map Turtle is usually, olive, brown or black. Pet turtles require lots of time, care and attention! Description: The Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle is a rather plain looking softshell turtle. The lower part of the shell is usually colored yellow, hence the name Yellow Mud Turtle. If you want to know more about turtle hibernation, I’ve written a more in depth article that covers the subject, In this article I cover why turtles hibernate, how hibernation takes place, how aquatic turtles hibernate, how land turtles hibernate, how sea turtles hibernate, what is brumation, and many other important and  interesting things about hibernation: Do Turtles Hibernate? Illinois Natural History Survey. There are aquatic species that spend almost all of their lives in the water, The incubation usually lasts between 70 and 100 days. If those turtles manage to reproduce, they can easily start a new alien species in a new area. Description: The Common Musk Turtle has a very plain appearance with very consistent colors. Female turtles searching for nest sites are often found crossing roads. If you want to pick up a turtle you should catch it by the sides and keep your hands above or below it, never in front of its mouth. The upper shell has a pattern that is similar to a map, hence the name Ouachita Map Turtle. The skin of the Hieroglyphic River Cooter is usually covered with pronounced stripes tah can range in color from yellow to orange to red. These turtles are light tan in color and their shells, as their name suggests, feature a ridge along the top. The upper side of the skin is usually black and covered with spots just like the upper part of the shell, while the lower part of the skin is colored just like the underside of the shell, yellow, orange or red. When choosing a turtle make sure you know how big they will grow. But in general they prefer waters that have a soft bottoms, like mud or sand. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what you’re looking for. The average time an egg needs to incubate is 75 days. 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