WISCONSIN TURTLES

Wisconsin has 11 species of turtles that represent four different turtle families.

They are:
Chelydridae (snapping turtle—1 species),
Kinosternidae (mud and musk turtles—1 species)
Emydidae (box and water turtles—7 species)
Trionychidae (softshell turtles—2 species)

The Ornate Box Turtle is listed as endangered; Blanding and Wood Turtles are listed as state-threatened. That’s why it’s so important to protect the environment where turtles live and breed.

What can you do to save a turtle?
• Help a turtle cross a road—that’s right, when you see a turtle crossing the road, give it hand to the other side.

• Leave fallen trees and wood debris along the water’s edge. These provide a great place for turtles to catch some rays!

• If your home is on a lake, keep the shoreline natural. This provides a great habitat and nesting site for turtles.

• Don’t let your pet dog or cat run freely where they can attack turtles.

• Don’t use pesticides on your lawn. These can spill into waterways, destroying the turtle’s habitat.

Check out the Wisconsin DNR website for more information on turtles.