A medium turtle with a sculpted brown shell (each scute pyramidal) and orange skin. Notable as one of the more intelligent turtles — they can solve mazes nearly as well as rats.

Native status: Native; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeShell 16–22 cm
Weight1–1.5 kg
LifespanWild 50–80 years
OrderTestudines
FamilyEmydidae

§ Encyclopedia

The wood turtle is a species of land turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is native to northeastern North America. The genus Glyptemys contains only one other species of turtle: the bog turtle. The wood turtle reaches a straight carapace length of 14 to 20 centimeters, its defining characteristic being the pyramidal shape of the scutes on its upper shell. Morphologically, it is similar to the bog turtle, spotted turtle, and Blanding's turtle. The wood turtle exists in a broad geographic range extending from Nova Scotia in the north to Minnesota in the west and Virginia in the south. In the past, it was forced south by encroaching glaciers: skeletal remains have been found as far south as Georgia.

Source: Wikipedia — Wood turtle Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium turtle with sculpted brown shell with rough texture; bright orange neck and legs.

Similar species. Other Glyptemys species (related; different range).

Voice. Hisses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Earthworms, slugs, insects, occasional plant matter; uses unique rain-dance behavior to attract earthworms.

Behavior. Federally endangered. Among the most intelligent turtles — can solve mazes nearly as well as rats. Distinctive "rain dancing" — stomps front feet against ground to mimic rain, bringing earthworms to surface where the turtle can catch them.

§ Range

Northeastern US and southeastern Canada

§ Habitat

Cool streams, riparian forests, wet meadows

§ Threats

Illegal collection for pet trade, stream pollution, road mortality, fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the wood turtle is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Don't collect from wild. Report illegal collection. Support stream-buffer protection.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Wood Turtle Recovery
  • Turtle Conservation Coalition
  • IUCN Red List 2011