Reptile
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttataThe Spotted Turtle is a small semiaquatic turtle with round yellow spots scattered across a smooth black shell and dark skin. It moves among shallow wetlands, damp woods, and nesting uplands, sometimes traveling overland between sites.
Wetland TurtleYellow-spottedSemiaquatic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAquatic insects, Snails, Tadpoles
Predators
- Raccoons
- Foxes
- Large birds
ThreatsWetland loss, road mortality, illegal collection, pollution, and fragmented movement corridors
HabitatsShallow marshes, vernal pools, bogs, wet meadows, swamps, and adjacent uplands
Life spanSeveral decades; adults may live 30 years or more
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- GenusClemmys
- SpeciesClemmys guttata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Wild turtles can carry Salmonella; do not handle, and wash immediately after accidental contact.
- Why it is dangerous
- Wild turtles can carry Salmonella bacteria without appearing ill and contaminate hands or nearby surfaces.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm a small black turtle with distinct round yellow spots before reporting it from a distance.
- What to do
- Do not touch or relocate it; after accidental contact, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- What to notice
- A small smooth black shell and dark head carry distinct round yellow spots that vary among individuals.
- Support conservation
- Do not touch or relocate the turtle; observe remotely and conceal exact site details from public posts.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Use binoculars and remain well outside the turtle's path.
- Privacy: Remove coordinates from any observation shared publicly.
- Roads: Report a turtle in danger to qualified local wildlife responders.
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