How to Identify Baby Turtles

It's very common to come across baby turtles in your backyard or alongside the road, especially if you live near a body of water. Baby turtles can easily be identified with a little research and knowledge of the local species in your area. According to the National Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians, there are 48 species of turtle that inhabit North America excluding Mexico. There are probably only a few species that inhabit your area, so identifying the species should be easy. Sexing a turtle is quite difficult, and you'll probably need the assistance of a wildlife expert.

Things You'll Need

• Field guide

Instructions

Identifying Baby Turtles

1. Check the turtle for specific markings and coloring. This is the key to identifying the turtle. Baby turtles often have brighter markings than adults. Most North American turtles that will appear in your backyard are dark brown, green or black, and they have markings that might be yellow, orange or red. The extremely common Eastern box turtle has a high black or brown shell with yellow or orange lines.

2. Determine the turtle's size. Gently measure the turtle with a tape measure, but don't remove it from its natural habitat. Use a field guide to see if the turtle's size matches the average size and markings of a specific species.

3. Try to determine the turtle's sex. This is next to impossible in baby turtles, because they are not yet sexually mature. Often the tale is longer in male turtles, but it depends on the species.

4. Consult an Internet forum if you are still unsure of the turtle's species. Take a clear, digital photograph of the turtle and upload it onto your computer. Post the photo on a turtle identification forum, where someone will be able to confirm the species.

5. Consult a local wildlife expert if you still have doubts. Somebody at your local nature center should be able to tell you the exact species of the turtle, as well as its age. The sex of a baby turtle is extremely difficult to determine, though it can be done with a blood test or microscope.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave baby turtles where you find them unless they are in the middle of the road or appear to be in grave danger.

• If you decide to keep a baby turtle and raise it, be absolutely certain of the species, as this will determine diet, habitat, etc.

References

• Turtles
• Different Types of Turtles
• Pond - Turtles, Reptile

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Turtle Identification Forum