Turtles in Connecticut

Connecticut is bordered by the Long Island Sound on its south, meaning it gets plenty of visits from sea turtles. In addition to this, due to the Connecticut River flowing through the state, there are several freshwater turtles like the Common Snapping Turtle, the Bog Turtle, and the Wood Turtle.

Types of Turtles Found in Connecticut

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys)

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Glyptemys Turtles

Bog Turtle
Wood Turtle

Painted Turtles

Eastern Painted Turtle

Terrapins

Northern Diamondback Terrapin

Box Turtle

Eastern Box Turtle

Spotted Turtles

Spotted Turtle

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Connecticut?

The Bog Turtle is federally endangered in Connecticut and is only found in a few places in the western part of the state. Other at-risk turtles include the Eastern Box Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, the Diamondback Terrapin, and the Wood Turtle.

Where to see sea turtles in Connecticut?

Sometimes sea turtles can be seen in Long Island Sound, where they ride the Gulf Stream.