Pseudemys concinna (Eastern River Cooter)
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The Eastern River Cooter is a large, freshwater turtle commonly found in rivers and streams across the southeastern United States. It is known for its striking shell patterns and herbivorous diet, often seen basking on logs or rocks near water.
Native To These Regions
Alabama (USA), Arkansas (USA), Florida (USA), Georgia (USA), Illinois (USA), Indiana (USA), Kansas (USA), Kentucky (USA), Louisiana (USA), Mississippi (USA), Missouri (USA), North Carolina (USA), Oklahoma (USA), South Carolina (USA), Tennessee (USA), Texas (USA), Virginia (USA), West Virginia (USA)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Pseudemys
Species: Pseudemys concinna
Common Names
Eastern River Cooter
River Cooter
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Identification
Description
The Eastern River Cooter has a dark olive to black carapace with yellow to orange swirling patterns. Its plastron is usually yellow with dark markings. The head and limbs feature yellow stripes.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are larger than males, often reaching up to 13 inches. Males have longer claws on their front feet and longer, thicker tails.
Check more turtles from the Pseudemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is native to the southeastern United States. It ranges from Virginia down to Florida and westward to Texas and parts of the Mississippi River basin.
Preferred Habitat
They prefer slow-moving freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. They need basking spots and areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Eastern River Cooters are mainly herbivores. They eat aquatic plants, algae, and occasionally insects or carrion, especially when young.
Predators
Eggs and hatchlings are preyed on by raccoons, birds, and fish. Adults face fewer predators, but large alligators and humans can be a threat.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating occurs in spring and early summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs on land in sandy or soft soil, often several feet from the water. Clutches usually contain 10–25 eggs, and hatching occurs in late summer or early fall.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Least Concern
Threats
Habitat loss, water pollution, and road mortality are major threats. Collection for the pet trade also poses a risk in some areas.
Conservation Measures
Protected in some regions, with habitat conservation efforts and road crossing structures helping reduce mortality.
Economic Importance
They play a role in aquatic vegetation control, which can benefit water quality and fishing environments. Occasionally sold in the pet trade, but not heavily relied on economically.
Interesting Facts
Eastern River Cooters are strong swimmers and can stay underwater for long periods.
Their name “cooter” is thought to come from an African word “kuta” meaning turtle.
They bask in groups but will dive quickly at the slightest disturbance.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
