Spotted Turtle

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata

Habitat: Spotted turtles can be found in the swamps, bogs, fens, marshes, woodland steams, and wet pastures of eastern United States.

Diet: Spotted turtles are primarily carnivorous and tend to eat snails, worms, slugs, and spiders.

Size: 0.3 to 0.5 feet long

Weight: 0.5 to 0.8 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 50 years

Distribution Map:

I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:

What does this mean?

Endangered –  a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to possess a very high risk of extinction as a result of rapid population declines of 50 to more than 70 percent over the previous 10 years (or three generations), a current population size of fewer than 250 individuals, or other factors. 

Our Spotted Turtle:

Pip (Female) – Estimated Date of Birth Between May 2009 & May 2010

Did You Know?!

  • Spotted turtles are of special concern due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
  • During daylight hours, spotted turtles eat and bask in the sun. In the evening, spotted turtles submerge themselves and spend the night underwater. 
  • This species is the most aquatic member of the genus, but it is usually not found in deep water
  • Reports suggest that female spotted turtles are capable of a greater production of eggs than is normally seen in the wild, but are constrained by unknown environmental factors (such as a limited food supply or short activity season).
  • The sex of spotted turtle hatchlings is determined by nest temperature: in the lab, cooler experimental temperatures produced mostly males, and warmer temperatures produced only females.

Due to needing time to set up for our Wine in the Wilderness Event, on June 3rd the zoo will be closing to the public at 1pm! We will reopen our doors at 6pm for the event! Event tickets will still be purchasable at our gift shop during this time!