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.
Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
This is the most common and widely distributed turtle in Alberta. They are found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers and streams. Western Painted Turtles are noted for their colorful markings.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Though generally less common than the Western Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtles are found in Alberta’s eastern and central regions, particularly in the Parkland and Prairie zones. They inhabit deeper waters like large ponds, lakes, and slow rivers.
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.
Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
This is the most common and widely distributed turtle in Alberta. They are found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers and streams. Western Painted Turtles are noted for their colorful markings.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Though generally less common than the Western Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtles are found in Alberta’s eastern and central regions, particularly in the Parkland and Prairie zones. They inhabit deeper waters like large ponds, lakes, and slow rivers.
Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata)
Similar to the Western Painted Turtle but with slightly different markings, they inhabit quiet, freshwater bodies and are also common in Manitoba.
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.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Though generally less common than the Western Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtles are found in Alberta’s eastern and central regions, particularly in the Parkland and Prairie zones. They inhabit deeper waters like large ponds, lakes, and slow rivers.
Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta)
This species is widespread in New Brunswick, inhabiting ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They are easily recognized by their colorful shells, which feature red and yellow markings.
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
Wood turtles inhabit rivers and streams with clean, clear water and sandy bottoms. They are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and are a species of conservation concern in New Brunswick.
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
This species is rare and considered endangered in New Brunswick. Blanding’s turtles live in shallow water bodies like marshes and wet meadows. They have a distinctive bright yellow throat and chin, which make them easy to identify.
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)
Though primarily found in the United States, there are rare instances of Eastern Box Turtles in New Brunswick. They prefer forested habitats but are very seldom seen.
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.
Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
This is the most common and widely distributed turtle in Alberta. They are found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers and streams. Western Painted Turtles are noted for their colorful markings.
Pacific Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata)
Historically present in British Columbia, but now considered extirpated (locally extinct) or nearly so, with possible rare sightings that are typically considered to be released or escaped pets rather than native individuals. They inhabited a variety of aquatic environments when they were present.
Additionally, while not native, several other turtle species have established populations in British Columbia due to pet releases. These include:
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Though generally less common than the Western Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtles are found in Alberta’s eastern and central regions, particularly in the Parkland and Prairie zones. They inhabit deeper waters like large ponds, lakes, and slow rivers.
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Widely spread across various parts of British Columbia, these turtles are not native and are considered invasive. They compete with the native Western Painted Turtles for resources.
native turtles in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, characterized by its rugged landscapes and harsher northern climate, does not have any native turtle species. The region’s cooler temperatures and the nature of its aquatic environments make it unsuitable for turtles, which are more prevalent in warmer climates.
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.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Snapping turtles are found in a variety of water bodies throughout Nova Scotia. These large turtles are noted for their powerful bite and rugged appearance.
Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta)
This species is the most common turtle in Nova Scotia. They inhabit ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers and are known for the colorful markings on their shells.
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
Wood turtles are less common and are considered a species at risk in Nova Scotia. They prefer flowing streams with sandy bottoms and adjacent forested areas.
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
This species is rare in Nova Scotia and is designated as endangered. Blanding’s turtles are identified by their domed shell and bright yellow throat. They live in shallow water like marshes and wet meadows.
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)
Extremely rare and considered critically endangered in Nova Scotia, primarily found in limited areas with forested habitats.
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.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Common throughout Ontario in almost any water body.
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Widespread across Ontario, found in ponds, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers. They are the most visually recognizable due to their colorful markings.
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
Prefers rivers and streams with sandy bottoms. This species is at risk due to habitat loss and collection.
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
Identified by its helmet-like shell and bright yellow throat, found in wetland areas. It’s considered a species at risk (endangered/threatened depending on the region).
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)
Primarily found in the southern part of Ontario, this terrestrial turtle is critically endangered in the province.
Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)
Prefers shallow, muddy water bodies, also at risk and considered endangered in Ontario due to habitat destruction and the pet trade.
Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)
Inhabits larger bodies of water, particularly rivers and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Stinkpot or Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
Small, often found in muddy or vegetated water. Known for its musky odor, which is a defense mechanism.
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
Prefers the sandy and muddy bottoms of rivers and lakes. Recognizable by its flat, leathery shell and snorkel-like nose.
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.”
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Snapping turtles can be found in a variety of water bodies across PEI, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. These turtles are known for their large size and aggressive behavior when threatened, although they are generally reclusive.
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
This is the most common turtle species in PEI. Painted turtles inhabit ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers and streams. They are easily recognized by their colorful markings with red and yellow stripes on their shells.
native turtles in Quebec
Features French-Canadian culture, the Laurentian Mountains, and extensive forests. Montreal and Quebec City are centers of culture and history.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Found in a variety of water bodies throughout Quebec, these turtles are known for their robust size and defensive nature.
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Common across Quebec, particularly the Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta), inhabiting ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
Prefers flowing streams with sandy or gravel bottoms and adjacent wooded areas. Wood turtles are at risk, primarily due to habitat loss and collection.
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
This species is noted for its bright yellow throat and dome-shaped shell. It is considered threatened in Quebec, found in marshy or mixed wetland environments.
Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)
Resides in larger rivers and lakes, where it can be seen basking on logs. The shell appears marked with a map-like pattern, giving this turtle its name.
Stinkpot or Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
also known as the Stinkpot – This small turtle inhabits muddy bottoms of lakes and slow-moving rivers and produces a musky odor when threatened.
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
Typically found in the sandy or muddy riverbanks of larger river systems. This species is distinctive with its flat, leathery shell and snorkel-like nose.
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.
Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
This is the most common and widely distributed turtle across Saskatchewan. They are found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers. These turtles are recognized by their colorful markings, which include vibrant red and yellow stripes on their under shells.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Found in a variety of aquatic habitats, snapping turtles are less common than painted turtles in Saskatchewan. They prefer deeper waters like large ponds, lakes, and rivers. Known for their strong bite and large size, they are often regarded with caution.
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:
Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
This is the only native turtle species confirmed to inhabit the Northwest Territories. Found in the southern parts of the territory, these turtles are at the northern edge of their range here. They inhabit slow-moving waters, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes, and are recognized by their distinctive colorful markings.
native turtles in Nunavut
Nunavut, largely encompassing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and being predominantly a polar climate zone, does not provide a hospitable environment for reptiles due to its extremely cold temperatures and frozen landscapes most of the year. Consequently, there are no native turtle species in Nunavut.
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.
