Most of Delaware runs along the Atlantic Coastal Plain and has a tropical humid climate. Both saltwater and freshwater turtles make their home in this state, including the Common Snapping Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, and the Green Sea Turtle.
Types of Turtles Found in Delaware
Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)
Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)
Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys)
Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)
Glyptemys Turtles
Painted Turtles
Terrapins
- Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Cooters
- Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Box Turtles
Sliders
- Red-eared Slider
- Yellow-bellied Slider
Spotted Turtles
Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)
Tortoises (Testudinidae)
FAQ
Are there any endangered turtles in Delaware? Yes, several of the turtles found in the state are at risk of going extinct. These include the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Critically Endangered), the Bog Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, and the Green Sea Turtle (all classified as Endangered). The African Spurred Tortoise is also listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN, but it is an invasive species.