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
1 / 7—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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