Is It Illegal to Keep Baby Snapping Turtles in Minnesota
There are 11 species of turtles in Minnesota. They are found across the forests, lakes, and prairies of the N Star Country. Some species, such as the semi-aquatic Blanding's turtle and the more than terrestrial Wood turtle, are classed equally Endangered. Other aquatic species, like the Western Painted turtle and Common Snapping turtle, are widespread across the state.
This listing will comprehend each of Minnesota'due south native and non-native species and can function as a herping guide for your next trip out into the field. Y'all could also use this listing to help choose your next pet turtle, simply bear in mind that there may be state restrictions in Minnesota relating to the possession of native species. Bank check the country laws earlier buying whatever turtle.
To help y'all out, click on the name or paradigm of each entry on this list to jump to a comprehensive intendance guide. These pages volition include all the information you lot need to correctly intendance for your chosen turtle species. We always recommend adopting a turtle from a shelter or rescue eye first, merely if this isn't possible, try and purchase a convict-bred baby rather than a wild caught specimen.
Minnesota is likewise home to i non-native species; the Reddish-eared Slider. We'll cover this species at the cease of our list, but although they can exist purchased in Minnesota, it is illegal to release them into the wild.
At present, let's explore the 11 species of turtles in Minnesota.
Turtles in Minnesota
1. Blanding's Turtle
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family unit: Emydidae
- Scientific Name: Emydoidea blandingii
- Other Names: N/A
- Adult Size: 5 to 8 inches (12.5 to 20 cm)
- Lifespan: Up to eighty years
- Average Price Range: $300 to $450
Named after William Blanding, an American naturalist, Blanding's turtles are an endangered species in Minnesota. They inhabit marshes and wetland regions and have been mainly been recorded in Minnesota'south primal-eastern and southern counties.
Blanding's turtles have dark oval shells covered in xanthous speckles. Their throats are pure yellowish while their plastrons are xanthous with black patches. Blanding's turtles are also known equally "the turtle that smiles" because of their characterful expressions.
Blanding's turtles are omnivorous, mainly eating crustaceans, insects, mollusks, and worms. Occasionally they will swallow plants. They are cautious, often diving to safety at whatsoever sign of problem. Blanding's turtles are threatened by habitat loss and over-collection for the pet merchandise.
2. False Map Turtle
- Feel Level: Beginner
- Family: Emydidae
- Scientific Proper name: Graptemys pseudogeographica
- Other Names: Sawback turtle
- Developed Size: iii.5 to 10.five inches (ix to 26.five cm)
- Lifespan: 30 to l years
- Average Price Range: $half dozen to $40
Faux Map turtles unremarkably dwell in larger rivers in Minnesota'south southern counties and rarely travel far from the h2o. These turtles tin can sometimes exist spotted every bit they bask on logs and rocky outcrops above the surface of the water.
False Map turtles have dark brown or black shells with contour-like xanthous markings. Most adults have a noticeable keels on their backs. To distinguish themselves from other Map turtles, Fake turtles lack colored patches and markings on their heads.
This species is omnivorous and eats crustaceans, insects, and occasionally aquatic vegetation. They are achieved swimmers and favor waters with medium currents.
3. Northern Map Turtle
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Emydidae
- Scientific Proper name: Graptemys geographica
- Other Names: Common Map turtle
- Developed Size: 4 to 10.5 inches (10 to 26.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Average Price Range: $20 to $60
Northern Map turtles have the widest range of any Map turtle in Minnesota, simply they are nevertheless bars to larger rivers and streams in southern and central-eastern counties. These fully aquatic turtles are neat swimmers and do not venture far from the water.
Northern Map turtles have dark brown or olive green shells and are named for their yellowish markings which resemble the contours of a map. They have saw-similar keels protruding from the centre of their carapaces. Pocket-sized xanthous spots behind the optics separate the Northern Map turtle from other subspecies.
These turtles are mainly carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, pocket-size fish, and insects. Crayfish are one of their favorite staples. Northern Map turtles volition also eat plants occasionally.
4. Ouachita Map Turtle
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Emydidae
- Scientific Name: Graptemys ouachitensis
- Other Names: Southern Map turtle
- Adult Size: 3.5 to 10 inches (9 to 25.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Average Price Range: $forty to $100
Ouachita Map turtles are the rarest of Minnesota'due south Map turtles, located in a few southeastern counties along the border with Wisconsin. Hither, they inhabit larger rivers and streams with moderate currents.
Ouachita Map turtles tin exist distinguished from other Map turtles by the big lightly-colored patches backside their eyes. They accept prominent keels protruding from their night green shells and xanthous markings that look similar contours on a map.
As with many other species, Ouachita Map turtles are omnivores. They mainly swallow crustaceans, insects, and mollusks simply volition occasionally eat algae or aquatic plants. They can be seen basking in groups during the day simply are easily startled and volition spring into the safety of the water.
5. Eastern Musk Turtle
- Feel Level: Intermediate
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus
- Other Names: Common Musk turtle, Stinkpot
- Developed Size: iv to 5 inches (10 to 12.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Average Toll Range: $20 to $90
Eastern Musk turtles are one of Minnesota's virtually secretive species, then far only recorded in Olmsted County in southeastern Minnesota. These modest aquatic turtles are also known as 'Stinkpots' because of the powerful odor that they can release from their musk glands when threatened.
Eastern Musk turtles take dark brown or black unmarked shells. Their heads are also dark, with two yellowish stripes equally well every bit fleshy barbels on their chins and necks. Some specimens may besides have clumps of algae growing on their shells.
These nocturnal omnivores mainly eat small amphibians, crustaceans, and mollusks. Eastern Musk turtles prefer boggy or marshy habitats with tiresome-moving waters.
6. Western Painted Turtle
- Feel Level: Beginner
- Family: Emydidae
- Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta belli
- Other Names: N/A
- Adult Size: 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 30 to l years
- Average Price Range: $20 to $50
Western Painted turtles are one of Minnesota's most common species and are found in shallow rivers, streams, or marshes all across the land. The Western Painted turtle is the largest subspecies of Painted turtle.
These medium-sized aquatic turtles normally have dark brownish, black, or olive green shells. Their plastrons are orange or cherry-red with vibrant absorb-like patterns. Their shells are besides edged with yellow.
Western Painted turtles are diurnal omnivores that mainly eat insects and vegetation likewise as crustaceans, frogs, and mollusks. They can sometimes exist seen wandering effectually on land, just unremarkably stay virtually the water where they enjoy on logs forth the shore.
7. Common Snapping Turtle
- Experience Level: Intermediate to Proficient
- Family: Chelydridae
- Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
- Other Names: Common Snapper, Eastern Snapping turtle, Snapper
- Adult Size: 8 to 20 inches (20 to 51 cm)
- Lifespan: 30 to l years
- Boilerplate Price Range: $20 to $xl
Mutual Snapping turtles are Minnesota's most common species. These imposing aquatic turtles adopt larger bodies of water such equally lakes, ponds, and rivers. They are at the summit of the freshwater food chain in many of their habitats.
Common Snapping turtles are easily identified past their powerful hooked beaks which can crush prey easily. They accept dark brown or green shells with a series of three vertical ridges as well every bit strong claws and long tails begetting saw-toothed spines.
As nocturnal omnivores, Common Snapping turtles mainly consume amphibians, fish ,smaller turtles, and even waterfowl. Occasionally they volition likewise eat plants. If cornered on state, Snapping turtles tin can hiss and attempt to bite.
viii. Smooth Softshell Turtle
- Experience Level: Intermediate to Skilful
- Family: Trionychidae
- Scientific Name: Apalone mutica
- Other Names: Pancake turtle, Spineless Softshell
- Adult Size: 4.five to 14 inches (11.5 to 35.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 25+ years
- Boilerplate Price Range: $40 to $lx
Smooth Softshell turtles are a medium-sized species that are confined to Minnesota'southward southeastern counties. These aquatic turtles prefer larger rivers and require sandbars every bit part of their habitats. This has left them vulnerable to habitat loss.
Smoothen Softshells resemble leathery pancakes with cream to white plastrons. Their dark-brown or grey shells have smoother fronts towards their heads. Smooth softshells take tapered snouts which they use as snorkels while buried in the sand.
These carnivorous turtles bury themselves in shallow sands to deadfall unsuspecting prey. They will ordinarily hunt crustaceans, insects, pocket-size fish, and mollusks.
ix. Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Experience Level: Intermediate to Adept
- Family: Trionychidae
- Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera
- Other Names: N/A
- Adult Size: 5 to 17 inches (12.five to 43 cm)
- Lifespan: xx to 50 years
- Average Cost Range: $70 to $280
Spiny Softshell turtles are widespread across Minnesota's central and southern counties, inhabiting rivers and streams with faster-moving currents. These aquatic turtles require sandy substrates inside their habitats and are fast swimmers.
Spiny Softshells have a leathery pancake-shaped beat out that feels a fleck similar sandpaper. Their soft carapaces are covered with several night spot markings with spines on the front edge. They have long, tapered beaks which they employ to breathe while buried in the sand and awaiting prey.
These Softshells are carnivores and will feed on any crustaceans, insects, and mollusks that swim past their hiding identify. They and so lunge forward and catch their unfortunate prey in their mouths.
x. Wood Turtle
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Emydidae
- Scientific Name: Glyptemys insculpta
- Other Names: N/A
- Developed Size: five.5 to 8 inches (14 to 20 cm)
- Lifespan: 40 to threescore years
- Average Price Range: $250 to $500
Forest turtles are 1 of Minnesota'south most endangered species and are bars to the eastern edge of the country that borders Wisconsin. They mainly inhabit grasslands and woodland regions with easy access to shallow ponds.
Wood turtles become their name from their beautiful brown shells, which have domed scutes that expect equally if they have been sculpted from woods. Their shells take a rough texture and are covered with patterns that resemble growth rings and forest grain. Their plastrons are xanthous with dark patches at the edges.
These diurnal turtles are intelligent and roam widely while looking for food. They are omnivores and ofttimes eat berries, plants, mollusks, and worms. They are classed every bit Endangered due to habitat loss and collection for the pet merchandise.
Minnesota has also get dwelling to a non-native species; the Cherry-eared Slider. This species is usually sold in the pet merchandise, only has likely been released into the wild by irresponsible owners.
Non Native Turtles in Minnesota
11. Red-eared Slider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Emydidae
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
- Other Names: Red-eared Terrapin, H2o Slider turtle
- Adult Size: 6 to eight inches
- Lifespan: 20 to 40 years
- Average Cost Range: $fifteen to $50
Red-eared Sliders are semi-aquatic turtles that are one of the nearly popular species of pet turtle on the market. Unfortunately, these turtles are considered to be invasive in many areas and are often released by unprepared or irresponsible owners. They can quickly spread and become dominant in new areas.
At the present time, Red-eared Sliders are confined to a few southern counties in Minnesota, although they may spread rapidly. They prefer warm, slow-moving waters such equally rivers and lakes and like to savor at the water's edge.
Cherry-red Eared Sliders have olive green shells with yellowish striped markings on their scutes. Their skin is usually a darker color, with yellow band markings and crimson patches just behind their eyes. Their plastrons are yellowish with night blotches on each scute.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minnesota turtles
What kind of turtles live in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to x native species of turtle along with one non-native species. Most of Minnesota's turtles are freshwater aquatic or semi-aquatic species such as Map turtles, Western Painted turtles, Snapping turtles, and Softshells.
There are some endangered or threatened species in Minnesota, such equally the Blanding'south turtle and the Wood turtle. The non-native species found in Minnesota is the Carmine-eared Slider, which may have been introduced through dangerous release from captivity.
Are Box turtles native to Minnesota?
Box turtles are non native to Minnesota, although some scattered specimens might appear if they have been unsafely released from captivity. Box turtles are more prevalent in eastern states (Eastern Box turtles) or the Great Plains region (Ornate Box turtles).
Tin can you keep Painted turtles equally a pet in Minnesota?
Painted turtles can be kept legally as pets in Minnesota. Western Painted turtles are Minnesota's native subspecies of Painted turtle and may also exist taken from the wild. However, it is strongly suggested that y'all either adopt a Painted turtle from an brute shelter or buy from a reputable captive-breeder.
The but turtles that are illegal to purchase or own equally pets in Minnesota are Blanding's turtles and Wood turtles. Both of these species are endangered or threatened.
What time of year do turtles hatch in Minnesota?
Due to the colder climes in Minnesota, the breeding and laying season for many species of turtle in the North Star State runs from late May through to June. The eggs likely won't hatch for 2 or 3 months, meaning that you can expect turtles to hatch between August and September.
Is it illegal to go along a wild turtle in Minnesota?
Minnesota has relatively relaxed laws regarding pet turtles in Minnesota. The but native species that cannot be sold or owned as a pet are Blanding's turtles and Wood turtles.
Some wild species may exist collected from Minnesota's habitats. These are the Western Painted turtle, Common Snapping turtle, and Spiny Softshell turtle. Yous need an angling license or turtle license to have these species.
Wild-caught turtles can be imported into Minnesota, but only if they accept been lawfully collected in the land where they were caught.
Conclusion
And that wraps upward our list of the 11 turtles institute in Minnesota! We've covered 10 native and i not-native species on this listing, ranging from aquatic turtles such as Common Snappers and Eastern Musk turtles to endangered specimens such as Blanding's turtles. We've too covered Red-eared Sliders, which are Minnesota'southward not-native species.
Whether you're using this listing equally a field herping guide or a springboard to aid you make up one's mind on your adjacent pet turtle, we hope you enjoyed information technology. If you did, experience free to comment downwards below and discuss Minnesota's turtles with fellow herping enthusiasts.
Other nearby states
- Turtles in Iowa
- Turtles in Wisconsin
Source: https://www.allturtles.com/turtles-in-minnesota/
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