Turtles in Wyoming

Wyoming is a dry state with a mostly arid climate. Only a handful of rivers flow through the state, like the Bighorn River, the Yellowstone River, and the Snake River. Some turtle species living here include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Ornate Box Turtle, the Western Painted Turtle, the Eastern Spiny Softshell, and the Red-eared Slider.

Turtles in Wyoming (WY)

Types of Turtles Found in Wyoming

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle
  • Alligator Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

  • Western Painted Turtle

Box Turtles

  • Ornate Box Turtle
  • Western Box Turtle

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Eastern Spiny Softshell
  • Western Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Wyoming?

The Western Painted Softshell and both the Western and Eastern Spiny Softshells are slowly becoming rare within the state. The reasons behind this include the turtles getting killed while crossing the road, illegally removing them to be kept as pets, and loss of habitat.

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