Black-Knobbed Map Turtle: A Specialist of the Mobile Bay System

Black-Knobbed Map Turtle

A Fascinating Freshwater Turtle The Black-Knobbed Map Turtle is a fascinating, yet often overlooked, freshwater turtle that calls the Mobile Bay system its exclusive home. Unlike the more widespread Painted or Midland Map Turtles, this species has evolved to specialize in a particular ecosystem, making it a true aquatic insider. Its most striking feature—small, raised … Read more

Alligator Snapping Turtle: The Giant with a Powerful Bite

Alligator Snapping Turtle

A Patient Predator If there’s a turtle that commands attention simply by existing, it’s the Alligator Snapping Turtle. True to its name, this freshwater giant embodies a unique blend of prehistoric charm and raw power. Native to rivers, lakes, and wetlands in the southeastern United States, it is often regarded as one of the largest … Read more

Mud Turtle: The Unassuming Survivor of Wetlands

Mud Turtle

A Turtle with Resilience and Adaptability The Mud Turtle is one of those quiet, underappreciated species that you might overlook while admiring flashier Painted or Map Turtles, yet it’s a true survivor. Found throughout North America’s wetlands, rivers, and ponds, this turtle has earned a reputation for resilience, adaptability, and a low-profile charm that endears … Read more

Ouachita Map Turtle: A Unique Shell from the Mississippi Basin

Ouachita Map Turtle

Rare and Visually Captivating The Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) is one of North America’s more intriguing freshwater turtles, and it carries a reputation for being both rare and visually captivating. Native to the Mississippi Basin, it’s a species that embodies the charm of riverine life, combining subtle elegance with intelligence and an unmistakable shell … Read more

Common Snapping Turtle: The Ancient Predator of Ponds and Rivers

Common Snapping Turtle

Meet the Common Snapping Turtle When you think of freshwater turtles, the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) probably doesn’t come to mind as the “cute” type—but that’s part of its appeal. With a rugged, prehistoric appearance and a powerful presence, this turtle is one of North America’s most impressive aquatic residents. It has survived for … Read more

Mississippi Map Turtle: The River Navigator with Striking Markings

Mississippi Map Turtle

Meet the Mississippi Map Turtle If you’ve ever drifted along the Mississippi River or one of its tributaries, you’ve probably glimpsed a turtle perched on a log, soaking up the sun. That turtle, if you looked closely, might very well have been a Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii). From a distance, it might look … Read more