How to Find Turtles in a Creek

Turtles are not often observed in the wild without effort. Unlike deer, squirrels and the other animals we encounter daily, much of this reptile's life is lived underwater. Turtles can be found around creeks and in their other natural habitats with some patience and knowledge of their habits.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a sunny spot near the middle of a creek. Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles; they come out of the water to warm up during the day. They have many natural predators, so you will rarely find them directly on or even near the shore. Look for bends, inlets or wider pond-like spots where the current slows down.

    • 2
      Turtles are notoriously poor jumpers.

      Seek out hefty logs or stones that jut out of the water. Turtles need to crawl out of the water onto something. You will find them relaxing on logs or stones big enough to reach far down into the water. Often several turtles will gather on an appropriate surface.

    • 3

      Look closely -- turtle colors include green, yellow and brown, and turtles often blend into their surroundings. Be on the lookout for the color red -- the common red-eared slider has a red patch directly behind each eye. Turtles will often stretch their heads far out of their shells while basking. It is a good time to get a sense of what the animal really looks like.