Turtles in Massachusetts

Despite being one of the smaller US states, Massachusetts is home to freshwater and seawater turtles. These aquatic reptiles can be seen in Cape Cod, Boston Harbor, and Massachusetts Bay. Some notable turtles include the Kemp Ridley’s Sea Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, and the Blanding’s Turtle.

Turtles in Massachusetts (MA)

Types of Turtles Found in Massachusetts

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

  • Leatherback Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

Terrapins

Spotted Turtles

  • Spotted Turtle

Blanding’s Turtles

  •  Blanding’s Turtle

Cooters

  • Red-bellied Cooter

Box Turtles

Glyptemys Turtles

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

  • Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Massachusetts?

Except for the Eastern Musk Turtle, the Eastern Painted Turtle, and the Common Snapping Turtle, all turtle species in the state are protected so they do not go extinct.

Where to see sea turtles in Massachusetts?

While rare, thanks to rising water temperatures, sea turtles are spotted more frequently in Cape Cod.

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