Turtles in Illinois

About 20 species of turtles live in Illinois, one of the eight states in the Great Lakes region. This makes the state quite hospitable for multiple species of freshwater turtles like the Common Snapping Turtle, the Eastern Painted Turtle, and the Blanding’s Turtle.

Turtles in Illinois (IL)

Types of Turtles Found in Illinois

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle
  • Alligator Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Spotted Turtles

Blanding’s Turtles

  • Blanding’s Turtle

Painted Turtles

  • Eastern Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

  • Northern Map Turtle
  • Ouachita Map Turtle
  • False Map Turtle

Cooters

  • Eastern River Cooter

Box Turtles

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider
  • Pond Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Smooth Softshell
  • Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Illinois?

The Blanding’s Turtle is classified as “Endangered” or “EN” by the IUCN and is also at risk within the state. One of the main reasons behind this is the hatchlings getting hurt due to controlled fires. Other turtles at risk include the Smooth Softshell and the Spiny Softshell.

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