Painted TurtleChrysemys pictaWhere and when to see them

The painted turtle is a freshwater turtle named for the yellow and red markings on its skin and shell. It is native to North America and occurs across much of the continent's temperate regions. Western painted turtles inhabit parts of both the Columbia and Mississippi river basins. These turtles are most closely associated with quiet, shallow waters rather than the fast-flowing main river channel. Although the species is widespread, individual populations can be affected by wetland loss, road mortality, and collection.

Size

Adult shell length typically 10–25 cm (4–10 in), with females generally larger than males.

Weight

Adults commonly weigh about 300–500 g (11–18 oz), though weight varies with size, sex, and population.

Lifespan

Often 20–40 years in the wild, with some individuals living longer.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Painted turtles are mainly active during daylight, dividing their time between feeding in water and basking above it. They often gather on logs or rocks, sometimes crowding closely together. Basking helps them raise their body temperature for digestion and other activities. When alarmed, they usually slide quickly into the water. During cold weather, they overwinter underwater, often resting on or partly buried in the bottom sediment. Females leave the water to dig nests in sunny, well-drained ground and do not care for the eggs after laying. During courtship, males may flutter their elongated front claws near a female's head.

• Painted turtles can absorb oxygen through body surfaces while overwintering underwater.
• Their shells help buffer acids that accumulate during long periods without oxygen.
• Nest temperature influences whether developing hatchlings become male or female.
• In many northern populations, hatchlings remain in the nest through their first winter.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Painted turtles favor ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams with soft bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Along large rivers, they are more likely to occupy backwaters, sloughs, side channels, and sheltered margins than strong currents. Suitable habitat includes accessible basking places such as fallen timber, exposed rocks, or floating vegetation. Columbia Basin populations occur in suitable wetlands and quieter waters, while Mississippi Basin populations use a variety of floodplain and inland freshwater habitats. Nearby open ground is important for nesting, so their habitat needs extend beyond the water's edge.

Painted turtles are omnivores that eat both aquatic animals and plants. Their animal foods include aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans, worms, and small fish, as well as carrion. They also consume algae and aquatic vegetation, with plant material often becoming more important as they mature. Food is normally swallowed underwater.

Common name

Painted Turtle

Scientific name

Chrysemys picta

Animal group

Reptiles

Size

Adult shell length typically 10–25 cm (4–10 in), with females generally larger than males.

Weight

Adults commonly weigh about 300–500 g (11–18 oz), though weight varies with size, sex, and population.

Lifespan

Often 20–40 years in the wild, with some individuals living longer.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a low, smooth, oval upper shell that is dark olive to black, often with red markings around its margins. The head, neck, and limbs carry yellow stripes, with red markings also present on the neck and limbs. The lower shell varies geographically, ranging from mostly yellow to reddish orange with a dark central pattern, especially in western painted turtles. Unlike a red-eared slider, a painted turtle lacks a broad red patch immediately behind each eye.