Things You'll Need
- Field guide
Instructions
Identifying Baby Turtles
Check the turtle for specific markings and coloring. This is the key to identifying the turtle. Baby turtles often have brighter markings than adults. Most North American turtles that will appear in your backyard are dark brown, green or black, and they have markings that might be yellow, orange or red. The extremely common Eastern box turtle has a high black or brown shell with yellow or orange lines.
Determine the turtle's size. Gently measure the turtle with a tape measure, but don't remove it from its natural habitat. Use a field guide to see if the turtle's size matches the average size and markings of a specific species.
Try to determine the turtle's sex. This is next to impossible in baby turtles, because they are not yet sexually mature. Often the tale is longer in male turtles, but it depends on the species.
Consult an Internet forum if you are still unsure of the turtle's species. Take a clear, digital photograph of the turtle and upload it onto your computer. Post the photo on a turtle identification forum, where someone will be able to confirm the species.
Consult a local wildlife expert if you still have doubts. Somebody at your local nature center should be able to tell you the exact species of the turtle, as well as its age. The sex of a baby turtle is extremely difficult to determine, though it can be done with a blood test or microscope.