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Turtles of Wisconsin
Turtles of Wisconsin
Turtles are believed to have existed on earth longer than any other group of reptiles. Fossil records suggest that they were present as long as 200 million years ago and have changed little in structure since then.
Turtles are also believed to be among the longest living creatures, with some species easily living past 100 years of age. Their amazing skeletons, which often include beautifully-patterned and uniquely-shaped shells, set them apart from other reptiles.
The most distinctive characteristic of a turtle is its shell, made up of about 60 different bones. Turtles serve as an integral part of the food chain and play a significant role in many aquatic habitats.
Wisconsin has 11 species, with the most abundant of these, the painted turtle, represented by two subspecies.
Two of these species are threatened (THR) with extinction, and one is endangered (END).
*Box and Water Turtles
Wood Turtle (THR)
Blanding's Turtle (THR)
Ornate Box Turtle (END)
Western Painted Turtle
Midland Painted Turtle
Common Map Turtle
Ouachita Map Turtle
False Map Turtle
*Snapping Turtles
Common Snapping Turtle
*Musk and Mud Turtles
Common Musk Turtle
*Softshell Turtles
Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
SOURCE: The Official Internet site for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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