Turtle Conservation Project

Identification

Musk Turtles rarely exceed 4 inches. Their dark grey to black shell is often covered with algae. Two yellow stripes run down the head and neck on each side. There are small barbels on chin and throat. When disturbed, Musk Turtles can release a foul odor, thus their name. Males have thick long tails with a small horny tip. Males have more "white space" between their plastron scutes. Hatchlings are miniatures of the adults, and are so small that they may comfortably rest atop a quarter.

Habitats
Musk Turtles prefer slow moving water with a soft bottom and aquatic vegetation.

Diet
Musk Turtles are carnivorous, eating whatever they encounter as they walk along the bottom.

Behavior

Though described as nocturnal, Musk Turtles can often be seen during the day walking along the bottom, necks outstretched, perhaps making use of their chin and neck barbels to sense for food. Though infrequent baskers, when they do they may climb several feet up in overhanging branches or snag limbs. Musk turtles may nest communally, with multiple clutches deposited in the same patch of leaf litter or under the same rotting log.

Threats/Conservation
Musk Turtle nests are often victim to raccoons and other predators. Some fishermen kill Musk Turtles that are hooked when they try to eat bait. As with all turtles, cars are a major killer.

For detailed information about this species, we recommend Turtles of the United States and Canada by Ernst, Lovich, Barbour.

Back to the top

See more photos

Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)