What Types of Turtles Are There & Where Do They Live?

Turtles are reptiles that have gained popularity as pets and can prove to be long-lived and low maintenance. Knowing what kinds of turtles exist and where to find them can help a potential owner take the best care of her new pet.

  1. Box Turtles

    • This is the most common type of turtle that people will keep as a pet. It is a small, terrestrial turtle that does not require water to live in. The eastern box turtle is the most common and most recognizable. Its small, round shell is brightly "painted" with lines across the surface. They live all across the middle and eastern parts of north America, and make good pets because they do not bite and are non-aggressive. But it is important to note that they are solitary, and do not care to be handled.

    Wood Turtles

    • Central America is home to the wood turtle, another terrestrial turtle that does not require water to live in. These turtles are large, up to 14 inches, and black. They are omnivores and although they make good display pets, they do not care to be handled and will bite. Easy to care for, they need to be kept domesticated and not released, as they are not indigenous to areas outside of Central America.

    Map Turtles

    • Map turtles are an easy type of turtle to domesticate. They do well with other turtles, and although they are a little shy and will dash into water if startled, they will surface again and look for food in short order. These turtles live all over the Americas and are especially numerous in the South and southeastern United States. They need a water habitat but also will venture out on land to bask. These turtles make good pets since they are readily observable.

    Red-Eared Sliders

    • The red-eared slider is one of the most numerous turtles from North America. It is a water-based turtle that is semi-terrestrial and domesticates readily. Once tamed, they are curious and interested in food, slow-moving, and long-lived. They do well in groups and love to bask, making them perfect specimens for the nature lover. Their coloring can take on a wide variety with their red ear patches making them a striking addition to any aquarium.