Turtles in West Virginia

Most of the habitats in West Virginia include mountains and lowlands. The turtles that can be found in the state include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Eastern River Cooter, the Eastern Painted Turtle, the Northern Map Turtle, and the Eastern Spiny Softshell.

Turtles in West Virginia (WV)

Types of Turtles Found in West Virginia

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

  • Eastern Painted Turtle
  • Midland Painted Turtle
  • Western Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

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

Spotted Turtles

Cooters

  • Eastern River Cooter
  • Missouri River Cooter
  • Northern Red-bellied Cooter

Box Turtles

Glyptemys Turtles

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

  • Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Midland Smooth Softshell
  • Eastern Spiny Softshell 
  • North Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in West Virginia?

The Wood Turtle and the Spotted Turtle are both at risk in West Virginia.

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