Bog Turtle

Glyptemys muhlenbergii

The bog turtle is a small, semi-aquatic turtle with a bright yellow, red or orange patch below the eye. Its carapace, or shell, is:

• Rectangular in shape.
• Black in color with chestnut scutes.
• Covered with scutes that form a ringed pattern.

The big turtle is one of the smallest turtle species. Adult females grow to 3.5 inches, while males grow to slightly larger, about 3.7 inches.

Where does the bog turtle live?

Bog turtles live in wetlands that contain calcium carbonate, calcium or lime.  In winter they hibernate underwater in bogs under about 6 to 18 inches of mud.  Bog turtles are found as far north as Vermont and as far south as Georgia.

What does the bog turtle eat?

Bog turtles are omnivores that eat berries, seeds, insects, worms and crayfish. 

How does the bog turtle reproduce?

Bog turtles mate from late April to early July. They lay two to five eggs from June to July and incubate them for seven to eight weeks. The eggs hatch from July to September.

Bog turtle hatchlings take five to eight years to reach sexual maturity.

Other facts about the bog turtle:

• Bog turtles can live to be 30 to 40 years old.
• Bog turtles are considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In some states they are classified as endangered.
• It is illegal to collect bog turtles or their eggs.
• Filling and draining of wetlands for development has threatened bog turtles’ survival.