Turtles in Missouri

Missouri has several habitats that suit freshwater turtles, including the Lake of the Ozarks, the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, and the Table Rock Lake. Some of the turtles in the state include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Painted Turtle, and the Yellow Mud Turtle.

Turtles in Missouri (MO)

Types of Turtles Found in Missouri

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle
  • Alligator Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

  • Southern Painted Turtle
  • Western Painted Turtle

Chicken Turtles

  • Western Chicken Turtle

Map Turtles

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

Blanding’s Turtles

  •  Blanding’s Turtle

Cooters

  • Eastern River Cooter

Box Turtles

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider
  • Pond Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Midland Smooth Softshell
  • Eastern Spiny Softshell 

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Missouri?

Several turtles in Missouri are at risk, including the Blanding’s Turtle, the Western Chicken Turtle, and the Yellow Mud Turtle

Subscribe our newsletter

Enter your email here to stay updated with the animal kingdom
Loading