How to Identify Types of Baby Water Turtles
Water turtles are beautiful creatures that can be found throughout the world. They are common in river, lakes, ponds and swamps. Finding a baby water turtle can be an educational experience. No two species of turtles have the exact same markings and characteristics, so determining the type of turtle you have found should be fairly easy with the help of a little research.
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Instructions
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Remember where the baby water turtle was found. The location plays a key role in determining what type of turtle you have, since water turtles live in different environments.
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Grab a notebook and pencil. It is a good idea to jot down the characteristics of the turtle you have found.
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Take pictures of the baby turtle to help preserve details that you may forget or overlook.
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Look closely at the baby turtle. Use binoculars or a magnifying glass to get a more detailed look at the turtle. Note his size, markings, shape and coloration. If the turtle you found is only about five inches long with a short tail, pointed snout and yellow stripping on its face and neck, then you might have a common musk turtle on your hands.
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Examine his carapace--the top shell--and his plastron--the bottom shell. A smooth carapace and plastron with a soft shell that is rubbery around the edges is typically a spiny softshell turtle. The softshell turtle also features a flat shell and long pig-like nose.
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View his snout and tail. Is the snot rounded or does it have a point? Is the tail long with spikes or short and stubby? A turtle with a pointed beak, long tail and spikes sticking up from the carapace is more than likely a snapping turtle. Be careful with snapping turtles as they are known to bite.
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Notice the color pattern of the baby water turtle. Does it have red or yellow striping on his neck and front legs? If so, it is probably a painted turtle. Painted turtles are a common sight in aquariums. If the turtle has red or orange stripes behind the eyes, then it is more than likely a red-eared slider. Red-eared sliders like still waters such as ponds and lakes.
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Compare the information that you have collected to the turtle identification key (see Resources) along with various photographs and descriptions.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not remove a baby water turtle from its environment.
References
Resources
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Comments
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