Reptile · GBIF taxon 8898408
River Cooter
Pseudemys concinnaThe River Cooter is a large basking turtle with yellow stripes on its head and limbs and a dark shell patterned by curved pale lines. It grazes aquatic vegetation in rivers and backwaters, often sharing logs and rocks with other turtles.
Freshwater TurtleBasking ReptileAquatic Grazer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic insects
- Small crustaceans
- Snails
Predators
- Raccoons
- Large fish
- Alligators
ThreatsRiver alteration, road mortality, fishing tackle, pollution, nest predators, and pet releases outside its range
HabitatsRivers, oxbows, reservoirs, ponds, backwaters, and wetlands with basking structures
Life spanLong-lived; adults may survive for several decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- SpeciesPseudemys concinna
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 observe basking animals from far enough away that they remain settled.
- 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 yellow head stripes and curved pale shell markings while observing from the opposite bank.
- What to do
- Do not touch or relocate it; after accidental contact, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Scan basking sites through binoculars from the opposite bank.
- Identify: Look for yellow head stripes and curved pale shell markings.
- Release: Never abandon a captive turtle in natural water.
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