Turtles in Maine

Maine is the easternmost state in the United States. This means not only are there freshwater bodies like Moosehead Lake and South Twin Lake, but the Gulf of Maine overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, sea turtles like the Kemp’s Ridley and the Leatherback visit Maine’s beaches regularly, and the Common Snapping Turtle and the Wood Turtle are often spotted in the state’s rivers and lakes.

Turtles in Maine (ME)

Types of Turtles Found in Maine

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

  • Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

  • Leatherback Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Blanding’s Turtles

  •  Blanding’s Turtle

Painted Turtles

Terrapins

Box Turtles

Glyptemys Turtles

  • Wood Turtle

Spotted Turtles

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

  • Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Maine?

The Blanding’s Turtle and the Eastern Box Turtle are both federally endangered in Maine. While it isn’t classified as endangered, the Spotted Turtle is listed as threatened and is at risk.

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