Indiana has several river systems, including the Blue, White, Maumee, and other rivers. Several freshwater turtles call the state home, including the Alligator Snapping Turtle, the Northern Map Turtle, and the Eastern Box Turtle.
Types of Turtles Found in Indiana
Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)
Blanding’s Turtles
Spotted Turtles
Painted Turtles
- Midland Painted Turtle
- Western Painted Turtle
Map Turtles
- Northern Map Turtle
- Ouachita Map Turtle
- False Map Turtle
- Mississippi Map Turtle
Cooters
- Hieroglyphic River Cooter
Box Turtles
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Ornate Box Turtle
Sliders
- Red-eared Slider
- Pond Slider
Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)
- Midland Smooth Softshell
- Eastern Spiny Softshell
FAQ
Are there any endangered turtles in Indiana? Yes, the long-lived Blanding’s Turtle is at risk of extinction in its native range, including Indiana.
Is the Beast of Busco a real turtle? As per urban legends in Indiana, the Beast of Busco was a giant snapping turtle in Churubusco. However, this turtle’s existence has never been confirmed, and it remains a cryptid.