Spotted Turtle - Twin Falls Zoo

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a small, visually distinctive turtle native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Adults typically measure around 12 cm in length and feature a smooth, black carapace dotted with yellow spots, which vary in number among individuals. The yellow spotting extends to their head, neck, and legs, making them one of the more easily identifiable turtle species. Their relatively small size and striking coloration have made them a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.

Spotted Turtles inhabit shallow freshwater environments, including marshes, wet meadows, swamps, and slow-moving streams. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, which provides cover and feeding opportunities. Their habitats are often characterized by soft, muddy bottoms where they can forage for food. Seasonal movements are common, with individuals often migrating between aquatic sites and nearby terrestrial areas depending on the availability of water and temperature conditions.

The Spotted Turtle is an omnivore, feeding on a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including insects, crustaceans, worms, and aquatic vegetation. Their diet varies seasonally and by habitat, adapting to the availability of food resources. Reproduction occurs in early spring, with females laying small clutches of eggs in nests dug in soft soils. Hatchlings are extremely vulnerable to predation, and adult turtles have a variety of natural predators, including raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey. Habitat destruction and fragmentation pose significant threats to their populations, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

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