Native Turtle Database In Canada

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

native turtles in alberta

Known for its prairies to the east, the Rocky Mountains to the west, and vast boreal forests. Alberta is a hub for oil and gas industries and home to Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Manitoba

Characterized by prairie lands, lakes, and northern forests. Winnipeg, the capital, is the cultural and economic center, with a significant focus on agriculture.

Graptemys geographica (Common Map Turtle)

Graptemys geographica, commonly known as the Common Map Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. Renowned for the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell, this turtle is a captivating inhabitant of rivers and streams across the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Common Map Turtle…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in New Brunswick

Bordered by Quebec, the Atlantic Ocean, and Maine, it features forested hills, rivers, and a rugged coastline. The Bay of Fundy, known for the world’s highest tides, is a notable landmark.

Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

Glyptemys insculpta, commonly known as the Wood Turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to North America. Renowned for its sturdy shell and distinctive markings, the Wood Turtle plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Despite its resilience, it faces numerous conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Wood Turtle has a high-domed, oval-shaped…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in British Columbia

Features a Pacific coastline and mountainous terrain, including the Canadian Rockies. It’s known for its mild coastal climate and vibrant cultural life in cities like Vancouver.

Additionally, while not native, several other turtle species have established populations in British Columbia due to pet releases. These include:

Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Sea Turtle)

Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is the largest and most unique of all sea turtles. Unlike other species, it has a soft, leathery shell rather than a hard one and can travel incredible distances across the oceans. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Leatherbacks are pelagic,…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Newfoundland and Labrador

Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Nova Scotia

A peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, featuring coastal cliffs and bays. Halifax, its capital, is known for its maritime history.

Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

Glyptemys insculpta, commonly known as the Wood Turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to North America. Renowned for its sturdy shell and distinctive markings, the Wood Turtle plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Despite its resilience, it faces numerous conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Wood Turtle has a high-domed, oval-shaped…
Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Sea Turtle)

Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is the largest and most unique of all sea turtles. Unlike other species, it has a soft, leathery shell rather than a hard one and can travel incredible distances across the oceans. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Leatherbacks are pelagic,…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Ontario

Canada’s most populous province, home to the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, and the nation’s capital, Ottawa. Toronto, the largest city, is the cultural and economic center.

Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Sternotherus odoratus (eastern musk turtle)

Sternotherus odoratus, known as the eastern musk turtle, is a small aquatic turtle found in eastern North America. It’s famous for the strong, foul odor it releases when threatened, which led to its nickname “stinkpot.” This hardy species thrives in various freshwater habitats and is known for its secretive nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…
Graptemys ouachitensis (Ouachita Map Turtle)

The Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) is a freshwater turtle native to the central United States. Recognizable by the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell and distinctive yellow markings, this species thrives in rivers and streams with abundant basking sites. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Ouachita Map Turtle features a keeled carapace with…
Graptemys geographica (Common Map Turtle)

Graptemys geographica, commonly known as the Common Map Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. Renowned for the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell, this turtle is a captivating inhabitant of rivers and streams across the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Common Map Turtle…
Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

Glyptemys insculpta, commonly known as the Wood Turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to North America. Renowned for its sturdy shell and distinctive markings, the Wood Turtle plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Despite its resilience, it faces numerous conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Wood Turtle has a high-domed, oval-shaped…
Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtle)

Emydoidea blandingii is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive yellow chin and throat and its domed carapace. This species is primarily found in the Great Lakes region of North America and is notable for its long lifespan and preference for shallow water habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Blanding’s Turtle has…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)

Clemmys guttata, commonly known as the spotted turtle, is a small, semi-aquatic turtle that is easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow spots against a dark carapace. This species is known for its gentle disposition and striking appearance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Spotted turtles prefer shallow, muddy-bottomed water bodies…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…
Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)

Apalone spinifera, commonly known as the spiny softshell turtle, is a unique species of softshell turtle that is notable for its leathery carapace and spiny projections along the front edge. This turtle is adapted to a life predominantly in water, displaying a streamlined body for efficient swimming. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Apalone spinifera…

native turtles in Prince Edward Island

Canada’s smallest province, known for its red sand beaches, lighthouses, and as the setting of “Anne of Green Gables.”

Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Quebec

Features French-Canadian culture, the Laurentian Mountains, and extensive forests. Montreal and Quebec City are centers of culture and history.

Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Sternotherus odoratus (eastern musk turtle)

Sternotherus odoratus, known as the eastern musk turtle, is a small aquatic turtle found in eastern North America. It’s famous for the strong, foul odor it releases when threatened, which led to its nickname “stinkpot.” This hardy species thrives in various freshwater habitats and is known for its secretive nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…
Graptemys geographica (Common Map Turtle)

Graptemys geographica, commonly known as the Common Map Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. Renowned for the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell, this turtle is a captivating inhabitant of rivers and streams across the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Common Map Turtle…
Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

Glyptemys insculpta, commonly known as the Wood Turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to North America. Renowned for its sturdy shell and distinctive markings, the Wood Turtle plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Despite its resilience, it faces numerous conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Wood Turtle has a high-domed, oval-shaped…
Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtle)

Emydoidea blandingii is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive yellow chin and throat and its domed carapace. This species is primarily found in the Great Lakes region of North America and is notable for its long lifespan and preference for shallow water habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Blanding’s Turtle has…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)

Clemmys guttata, commonly known as the spotted turtle, is a small, semi-aquatic turtle that is easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow spots against a dark carapace. This species is known for its gentle disposition and striking appearance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Spotted turtles prefer shallow, muddy-bottomed water bodies…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…
Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)

Apalone spinifera, commonly known as the spiny softshell turtle, is a unique species of softshell turtle that is notable for its leathery carapace and spiny projections along the front edge. This turtle is adapted to a life predominantly in water, displaying a streamlined body for efficient swimming. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Apalone spinifera…

native turtles in Saskatchewan

Dominated by prairies and known for agriculture, it also has northern lakes and forests. Regina, the capital, focuses on cultural and historic sites.

Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories of Canada, with its subarctic and arctic climate, presents a challenging environment for reptiles, including turtles. Due to its cold temperatures and harsh conditions, the variety of turtle species is extremely limited.

Here’s a detailed overview of the native turtle species that can be found in the Northwest Territories:

Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Nunavut

Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

native turtles in Yukon

Yukon, with its subarctic and arctic climates, vast mountain ranges, and extensive forest and river systems, is not a conducive environment for turtles. Similar to other far northern regions, Yukon does not support any native turtle species due to its harsh and cold environmental conditions.

Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

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