Can anybody identify this turtle?????

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MommaCat0610

Registered Member
Jun 10, 2010
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So my boyfriend found this turtle today while he was out fishing, the turtle was in the road so he picked him up and brought him home. My son wants to keep him (he's 4 yrs old and a huge ninja turtles fan so he was really excited). I'm having no luck trying to find it on the internet and I need to know what type of turtle he (or she) is so I can either care for it, or release it. At first it appeared to be all black but now that the shell is starting to dry a little bit, it's starting to look like theres some color there. Yes he is in a tote while I'm setting up an aquairium. I must add that I live in Ohio, he has a hard shell, and I know it's not a snapping turtle because it does not have a pointed beak. Any help would be appreciated.

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It has no pointed or curved beak, how do you figure it's a snapper? And if I can provide proper care for it, why should I release it? The lake he was found at is covered in them. So obviously it's not endangering anything by keeping it.
 
You would be better off with a painted or redear mudslider as a pet. They make good aquarium pet turtles.
 
I'll agree with that, however, I haven't yet found a pet store in my area that sells them. And I don't know where to find them.
 
This page has some links that might prove useful: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/resources/reptiles/reptiles/tabid/5684/Default.aspx

Maybe the Blanding's or Musk?

Edit: Just wanted to add that, although I know some will disagree with me, I don't see a problem with keeping a non-endangered turtle that is wild caught, as long as it is done legally and responsibly. Turtle care is not all that difficult once you know what they need, but far too many people don't take the time to research their needs (which you are obviously trying to do now) or don't pay attention to any news they don't want to hear (like minimum tank size or the necessity of UVA/UVB light or a healthy, varied diet). Just be sure you do the research and are willing to provide good care for the turtle's entire life---which could be quite a while!---before you make your decision.
 
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That looks like a Stinkpot or a Mud Turtle, both of which are easier to keep than a Painted or a RES because they max out around 4". If you posted this in the Terrariums forum you'd get better answers.
 
Yea...we called them "Stink" or "Musk" turtles when I was a kid in Louisiana. I'm pretty sure that its the same thing. They actually smelled pretty bad, so I don't know why anyone would want to keep one in their home. I guess my post isn't very helpful, since I have no idea how to keep one alive. :D
 
cellodaisy said:
This page has some links that might prove useful: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/resources/reptiles/reptiles/tabid/5684/Default.aspx

Maybe the Blanding's or Musk?

Edit: Just wanted to add that, although I know some will disagree with me, I don't see a problem with keeping a non-endangered turtle that is wild caught, as long as it is done legally and responsibly. Turtle care is not all that difficult once you know what they need, but far too many people don't take the time to research their needs (which you are obviously trying to do now) or don't pay attention to any news they don't want to hear (like minimum tank size or the necessity of UVA/UVB light or a healthy, varied diet). Just be sure you do the research and are willing to provide good care for the turtle's entire life---which could be quite a while!---before you make your decision.
Click to expand...

Plus they grow to 6 ft in diameter.....
 
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