Turtles can be found all around the globe, including in the state of Maine. In Maine, there are seven native land turtles, as well as two types of sea turtles that could be found in the waters around the state. Although it can be easy to find some turtle varieties, such as Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles, others are threatened. For example, the Blandings Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Wood Turtle, and Spotted Turtle are all endangered. To learn more about the nine native turtles to Maine, read on. Top 9 Turtles Found in Maine: The easiest place to find turtles is on land. Even though turtles are often found in ponds and rivers, turtles cannot breathe underwater. As a result, the majority of turtle species can be found right in the Maine-land (pun intended).
- Painted Turtle Image Credit: lchikumb, Pixabay
Species: Chrysemys Picta
Longevity: 30–50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes
Adult size: 4–10 inches
Habitat: Mainly aquatic
Painted Turtles are some of the cutest and friendliest turtles native to Maine. In fact, there are actually two different types of Painted Turtles in Maine, including the Eastern Painted and the Midland Painted. Both varieties are popular pets. The Painted Turtle is named because of its unique colorations. They have dark shells with yellow stripes. They can also have orange, red, and other colors for the patterning. In addition to the strong coloration, you can identify Midland Painted Turtles by the shadow-like patch on their plastron.
- Spotted Turtle Image credit: Jay Ondreicka, Shutterstock
Species: Clemmys Guttata
Longevity: 25–50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes, for experts only
Adult size: 4–5 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
Much like Painted Turtles, Spotted Turtles are really stunning, but they don’t make the best pets because they are very sensitive. This small species has a black, smooth shell with bright yellow dots. Their plastrons are also yellow, but they have black patches on both sides. You can easily find Spotted Turtles in the shallow waters of marshes and ponds. These turtles love to bask. So, look for them on logs or the land right beside the water. Unfortunately, local water pollution is threatening these creatures.
- Common Musk Turtle Image Credit: Marek Velechovsky, Shutterstock
Species: Sternotherus Odoratus
Longevity: At least 50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes, for intermediate owners
Adult size: 4–5 inches
Habitat: Land, semi-aquatic
The Common Musk Turtle really is a unique creature. It is nicknamed the “Stinkpot” because the animal smells very strongly due to scents released from their musk glands. This harsh smell is often used to protect themselves from predators. Common Musk Turtles can be found all throughout Maine. You will most likely find them in marshy or boggy habitats so that they can hunt for all of their favorite treats. They have dark unmarked shells, and their heads are also dark, but they have yellow lines along their face.
- Common Snapping Turtle
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Species: Chelydra Serpentina
Longevity: 30–50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes, for expert owners
Adult size: 8–20 inches
Habitat: Mainly aquatic
The Common Snapping Turtle is very large, and it is actually the largest amphibian turtle in Maine. Common Snappers are aggressive and are often found in large bodies of water. As a result of their aggressive behaviors, they are not recommended as pets. You can identify Common Snappers by looking at their distinctive beaks, which are hooked. These turtles have dark brown and green shells. Additionally, Common Snapping Turtles are known to have really strong claws and longtails.
- Blandings Turtle
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Species: Emydoidea Blandingii
Longevity: Up to 80 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 5–8 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
The Blandings Turtle, which is named after William Blanding, is it endangered variety in Maine. These turtles have dark shells with yellow spots. Additionally, their plastrons are yellow, but they have black patches as well. What really makes the Blandings Turtle stand out amongst the others is that it is called “the turtle that smiles.” That’s because the natural slope of their mouth almost makes it appear as though they are smiling. Still, these turtles don’t have much to smile about since they are endangered.
- Eastern Box Turtle Image Credit: JamesDeMers, Pixabay
Species: Terrapene Carolina
Longevity: Up to 40 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 4–7 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
The Eastern Box Turtle is another species that is native to Maine and threatened. These turtles have dark brown domed shells with distinct yellow and orange spots and markings. Their plastrons are dark brown. Eastern Box Turtles are known for their unique ability to regenerate their shells. The regeneration ability is partially why their shells are so domed. You can find this threatened species in woodland, marshy, and grassland areas, but they are most commonly found within easy access to streams and ponds.
- Wood Turtle
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Species: Glyptemys Insculpta
Longevity: Up to 40 years in the wild but up to 60 years in captivity
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 5.5–8 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
Wood Turtles are highly intelligent, but they are endangered because of local water pollution and other threats to their natural homes in woodlands and ponds. These turtles are very active and rock themselves to create vibrations so as to lure worms out of the ground. Wood Turtles are named so simply because their shells feel and look like they’re made of wood. The shell patterns look like growth rings and wooden grain. As you would expect, Wood Turtles are normally brown. Top 2 Sea Turtles Found in Maine: In addition to finding turtles in freshwater and on land, there are two types of sea turtles that frequent the Maine waters. Of course, sea turtles are not native to Maine specifically, but you can find them during the right season. It’s important to point out that even sea turtles cannot breathe underwater. However, they can stay underwater for long periods of time because they have the ability to absorb oxygen through their cloaca as they sleep. Since sea turtles cannot breathe underwater, you will be able to see them pop up to the ocean surface for air. 8. Leatherback Sea Turtle
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Species: Dermochelys Coriacea
Longevity: 30 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 6–7 feet
Habitat: Ocean, bays, lagoons with nests on sandy beaches
If you have seen the movie Finding Nemo, you have seen a Leatherback Sea Turtle, though an animated one. Leatherback Sea Turtles are the most popular type of sea turtle because they are very large and graceful looking under the water. Leatherback Sea Turtles are protected, especially their nest, which you can find on sandy beaches. Often, government agencies will mark these nests so that people don’t accidentally sit on them or break the delicate eggs.
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
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Species: Lepidochelys Kempii
Longevity: 30 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 25 inches
Habitat: Sandy and muddy coastlines
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is lesser known than the Leatherback. These turtles have slightly hooked beaks and triangular shaped heads. Their shells are round and can be various shades of green or gray. Their plastrons and undersides are yellow or cream. Unfortunately, Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle are critically endangered. This is largely because of water pollution and other issues relating to their environment. Conclusion As you can see, Maine has quite a few varieties of turtles native to their land. Some of these turtles are found in abundance, whereas others are critically endangered. Remember that you should never injure or try to take a critically endangered turtle as a pet. However, some of the more common turtles found in Maine make great pets, such as a Painted Turtle. Still, always be gentle and considerate when dealing with all turtles, even if they are found in abundance.
Related read: 9 Snakes Found in Maine (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit by Jonathan Novack, Shutterstock
Turtles can be found all around the globe, including in the state of Maine. In Maine, there are seven native land turtles, as well as two types of sea turtles that could be found in the waters around the state.
Although it can be easy to find some turtle varieties, such as Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles, others are threatened. For example, the Blandings Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Wood Turtle, and Spotted Turtle are all endangered.
To learn more about the nine native turtles to Maine, read on.
Top 9 Turtles Found in Maine:
The easiest place to find turtles is on land. Even though turtles are often found in ponds and rivers, turtles cannot breathe underwater. As a result, the majority of turtle species can be found right in the Maine-land (pun intended).
1. Painted Turtle
Species: Chrysemys Picta
Longevity: 30–50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes
Adult size: 4–10 inches
Habitat: Mainly aquatic
Painted Turtles are some of the cutest and friendliest turtles native to Maine. In fact, there are actually two different types of Painted Turtles in Maine, including the Eastern Painted and the Midland Painted. Both varieties are popular pets.
The Painted Turtle is named because of its unique colorations. They have dark shells with yellow stripes. They can also have orange, red, and other colors for the patterning. In addition to the strong coloration, you can identify Midland Painted Turtles by the shadow-like patch on their plastron.
2. Spotted Turtle
Species: Clemmys Guttata
Longevity: 25–50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes, for experts only
Adult size: 4–5 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
Much like Painted Turtles, Spotted Turtles are really stunning, but they don’t make the best pets because they are very sensitive. This small species has a black, smooth shell with bright yellow dots. Their plastrons are also yellow, but they have black patches on both sides.
You can easily find Spotted Turtles in the shallow waters of marshes and ponds. These turtles love to bask. So, look for them on logs or the land right beside the water. Unfortunately, local water pollution is threatening these creatures.
3. Common Musk Turtle
Species: Sternotherus Odoratus
Longevity: At least 50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes, for intermediate owners
Adult size: 4–5 inches
Habitat: Land, semi-aquatic
The Common Musk Turtle really is a unique creature. It is nicknamed the “Stinkpot” because the animal smells very strongly due to scents released from their musk glands. This harsh smell is often used to protect themselves from predators.
Common Musk Turtles can be found all throughout Maine. You will most likely find them in marshy or boggy habitats so that they can hunt for all of their favorite treats. They have dark unmarked shells, and their heads are also dark, but they have yellow lines along their face.
4. Common Snapping Turtle
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A post shared by @kagru_921
Species: Chelydra Serpentina
Longevity: 30–50 years
Good to own as a pet?: Yes, for expert owners
Adult size: 8–20 inches
Habitat: Mainly aquatic
The Common Snapping Turtle is very large, and it is actually the largest amphibian turtle in Maine. Common Snappers are aggressive and are often found in large bodies of water. As a result of their aggressive behaviors, they are not recommended as pets.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @kagru_921
A post shared by @kagru_921
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
You can identify Common Snappers by looking at their distinctive beaks, which are hooked. These turtles have dark brown and green shells. Additionally, Common Snapping Turtles are known to have really strong claws and longtails.
5. Blandings Turtle
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Species: Emydoidea Blandingii
Longevity: Up to 80 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 5–8 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
The Blandings Turtle, which is named after William Blanding, is it endangered variety in Maine. These turtles have dark shells with yellow spots. Additionally, their plastrons are yellow, but they have black patches as well.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by savetheanimalssavetheworld (@savetheanimalssavetheworld)
A post shared by savetheanimalssavetheworld (@savetheanimalssavetheworld)
What really makes the Blandings Turtle stand out amongst the others is that it is called “the turtle that smiles.” That’s because the natural slope of their mouth almost makes it appear as though they are smiling. Still, these turtles don’t have much to smile about since they are endangered.
6. Eastern Box Turtle
Species: Terrapene Carolina
Longevity: Up to 40 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 4–7 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
The Eastern Box Turtle is another species that is native to Maine and threatened. These turtles have dark brown domed shells with distinct yellow and orange spots and markings. Their plastrons are dark brown.
Eastern Box Turtles are known for their unique ability to regenerate their shells. The regeneration ability is partially why their shells are so domed. You can find this threatened species in woodland, marshy, and grassland areas, but they are most commonly found within easy access to streams and ponds.
7. Wood Turtle
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Species: Glyptemys Insculpta
Longevity: Up to 40 years in the wild but up to 60 years in captivity
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 5.5–8 inches
Habitat: Semi-aquatic
Wood Turtles are highly intelligent, but they are endangered because of local water pollution and other threats to their natural homes in woodlands and ponds. These turtles are very active and rock themselves to create vibrations so as to lure worms out of the ground.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Matthew Sullivan (@formerlyhomelessphotographer)
A post shared by Matthew Sullivan (@formerlyhomelessphotographer)
Wood Turtles are named so simply because their shells feel and look like they’re made of wood. The shell patterns look like growth rings and wooden grain. As you would expect, Wood Turtles are normally brown.
Top 2 Sea Turtles Found in Maine:
In addition to finding turtles in freshwater and on land, there are two types of sea turtles that frequent the Maine waters. Of course, sea turtles are not native to Maine specifically, but you can find them during the right season.
It’s important to point out that even sea turtles cannot breathe underwater. However, they can stay underwater for long periods of time because they have the ability to absorb oxygen through their cloaca as they sleep. Since sea turtles cannot breathe underwater, you will be able to see them pop up to the ocean surface for air.
8. Leatherback Sea Turtle
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A post shared by Jason-Marc Mohamed (@iere_nation)
Species: Dermochelys Coriacea
Longevity: 30 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 6–7 feet
Habitat: Ocean, bays, lagoons with nests on sandy beaches
If you have seen the movie Finding Nemo, you have seen a Leatherback Sea Turtle, though an animated one. Leatherback Sea Turtles are the most popular type of sea turtle because they are very large and graceful looking under the water.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jason-Marc Mohamed (@iere_nation)
A post shared by Jason-Marc Mohamed (@iere_nation)
Leatherback Sea Turtles are protected, especially their nest, which you can find on sandy beaches. Often, government agencies will mark these nests so that people don’t accidentally sit on them or break the delicate eggs.
9. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
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A post shared by Biolocos (@biolocos.mx)
Species: Lepidochelys Kempii
Longevity: 30 years
Good to own as a pet?: No
Adult size: 25 inches
Habitat: Sandy and muddy coastlines
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is lesser known than the Leatherback. These turtles have slightly hooked beaks and triangular shaped heads. Their shells are round and can be various shades of green or gray. Their plastrons and undersides are yellow or cream.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Biolocos (@biolocos.mx)
A post shared by Biolocos (@biolocos.mx)
Unfortunately, Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle are critically endangered. This is largely because of water pollution and other issues relating to their environment.
Conclusion
As you can see, Maine has quite a few varieties of turtles native to their land. Some of these turtles are found in abundance, whereas others are critically endangered. Remember that you should never injure or try to take a critically endangered turtle as a pet.
However, some of the more common turtles found in Maine make great pets, such as a Painted Turtle. Still, always be gentle and considerate when dealing with all turtles, even if they are found in abundance.
- Related read: 9 Snakes Found in Maine (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit by Jonathan Novack, Shutterstock
