Turtle Species Found in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a wide variety of waterways and wetland habitats that offer homes for a range of species. Turtles thrive in the state's wetlands, with 14 known species recorded in the state. Some of the species are common and widespread, while others are protected by law. A few of the local species may also be extinct within the state.

  1. Common Turtle Species

    • The snapping turtle is one of the state's common species. It grows to between 8 and 18 inches in length and has a bony, rough shell. The midland painted turtle is a flat-bodied species that grows up to 8 inches and is also common. The eastern painted turtle subspecies is abundant in the state and closely resembles the midland variety. The other common Pennsylvania species is the common musk turtle, which grows to 5 inches and has a large domed shell.

    Rare Turtle Species

    • Of the native turtle species, five are listed as species of concern, meaning that local population numbers are decreasing and may lead to endangered status. The small spotted turtle is found in only a few counties as is its close relative, the wood turtle. The common map turtle's numbers are also in decline. It is a large, flat-bodied species that grows to 10 inches long. The eastern box turtle has a domed shell and grows to 8 inches in length. The spiny soft shell is also a large species, growing to 17 inches and having a round, flat body.

    Protected Turtles

    • When species reach a consideration of being threatened or endangered, legal steps are taken to protect them. The bog turtle is an endangered species in the state and protected by law. It is a small species that grows to 4 inches in length and has a high, domed shell. Blanding's turtle is, as of June 2011, not yet endangered but is being considered for an upgrade to this status. The state's other threatened species is the northern red-bellied cooter, which is found only in the southern and northeastern regions of the state.

    Locally Extinct Turtles

    • When population numbers for a species drop to extremely low numbers, it may be rare that they are seen in the wild, which can lead to the species being considered extirpated. This means that it is believed that they are locally extinct but may, at a later date, be found again in the area. The eastern mud turtle, at one time was found in southeastern Pennsylvania, is one such species. It has not been witnessed in the area for some time and may no longer be present. The midland smooth soft shell turtle also has not been recorded in the state in recent years, but is a historical resident and may still be present in small numbers.