South Florida Freshwater Turtles

Most freshwater turtles may be taken year round.
South florida freshwater turtles. Most freshwater turtles may be taken year round. Softshell turtles may not be taken from the wild from may 1 to july 31. In addition collecting freshwater turtle eggs is prohibited. The florida box turtle typically boasts yellow radiating bands on a very domed shell carapace as well as yellow stripes on each side of its head.
The southeastern united states is one of the richest areas in the world for turtle diversity and florida is among the top states in turtle species numbers with over 30 native turtle species most of which are freshwater turtles. Besides freshwater turtles florida is home to the gopher tortoise box. Quick list of the native turtles of south carolina. On any given warm day a trip down the suwanee river for example provides tourists with views of dozens of basking water turtles occupying fallen trees and branches around every river bend.
The florida mud turtle found through out the state rarely moves away from its freshwater habitat of small creeks drainage ditches and marshes. Wild freshwater turtles live in ponds and lakes and they climb out of the water onto logs or rocks to bask in the warm sun. Taking turtles with bucket traps snares or shooting with firearms is prohibited. Freshwater turtles can only be taken by hand dip net minnow seine or baited hook.
Ample freshwater areas and the temperate climate of the northern part of the state explains much of the florida turtles diversity story. Softshell turtles may not be taken from the wild from may 1 to july 31. The males of this subspecies show a very noticeable concavity on the bottom of their shells or plastron whereas the plastron of male three toed box turtles tends to be nearly flat. Turtles are classified as members of kingdom animalia phylum chordata class reptilia and order testudines.
Checklist of florida turtles click on thumbnails for a larger view apalone ferox schneider 1783 florida softshell. Freshwater turtles can only be taken by hand dip net minnow seine or baited hook. There are thirteen families in the order and more than 356 species therefore freshwater turtles are reptiles like snakes and lizards. In addition collecting of freshwater turtle eggs is.
Non native in florida keys apalone mutica le sueur 1827 smooth softshell apalone mutica calvata webb 1959 gulf coast smooth softshell apalone spinifera le sueur 1827 spiny softshell apalone spinifera aspera agassiz 1857 gulf coast spiny softshell. Turtles are ancient shelled reptiles that have existed for 220 million years. Florida freshwater turtles are being illegally caught and exported live in increasingly large numbers to keep up with demand for their meat their supposed medicinal purposes and their value as. Taking turtles with bucket traps snares or shooting with firearms is prohibited.