Turtles in Maryland

Many of Maryland’s waterways are connected to the Chesapeake Bay, with most of the region’s geography shaped by it. Both freshwater and seawater turtles can be spotted on various beaches, rivers, and lakes.

Maryland’s state reptile is the Diamondback Terrapin. Other notable turtles include the Eastern Box Turtle, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and the Wood Turtle.

Turtles in Maryland (MD)

Types of Turtles Found in Maryland

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 Turtles (Eretmochelys)

  • Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Glyptemys Turtles

  • Bog Turtle
  • Wood Turtle

Painted Turtles

  • Eastern Painted Turtle
  • Midland Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

  • Northern Map Turtle
  • False Map Turtle

Terrapins

  • Diamondback Terrapin

Cooters

  • Eastern River Cooter
  • Northern Red-bellied Cooter

Box Turtles

  • Eastern Box Turtle

Spotted Turtles

  • Spotted Turtle

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider
  • Yellow-bellied Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

  • Striped Mud Turtle 
  • Eastern Mud Turtle
  • Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Maryland?

The Bog Turtle is at risk of extinction in Maryland.

Where to see sea turtles in Maryland?  

Many of Maryland’s sea turtles can be found in the Chesapeake Bay. However, they often suffer injuries or die as a result of boating.

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