Peninsula Cooter
Pseudemys peninsularis
The Peninsula Cooter is a large Florida freshwater turtle often seen sunning on logs in lakes, canals, and springs.
The Peninsula Cooter is a large Florida freshwater turtle often seen sunning on logs in lakes, canals, and springs.
A broad, dark-shelled turtle with many fine yellow stripes on the head and neck and yellow markings on the limbs.
Basks communally on logs and quickly slides into the water when approached.
Watch from a respectful distance. Do not move basking turtles or release pet turtles into natural waters.
Florida regulates the take and possession of native freshwater turtles and prohibits commercial take. Check current FWC rules before handling or collecting.
Habitat:
Lakes and Ponds, Rivers and Springs, Canals and Ditches
Area / Range:
Central Florida, South Florida
Diet:
Mostly aquatic vegetation and algae, with young turtles taking more animal matter.
Behavior:
Basks communally on logs and quickly slides into the water when approached.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Sunny mornings and afternoons while basking on logs
Florida Native Status:
Florida Endemic
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Safe
Safety Information:
Watch from a respectful distance. Do not move basking turtles or release pet turtles into natural waters.
Benefits to Property:
Grazes aquatic vegetation and algae and contributes to healthy freshwater food webs.
Property Concerns:
Road crossings, fishing-line entanglement, shoreline barriers, and illegal collection are common threats.
Fun Fact:
The word cooter comes from an Indigenous name for freshwater turtles.
Wildlife Laws:
Florida regulates the take and possession of native freshwater turtles and prohibits commercial take. Check current FWC rules before handling or collecting.
Identification:
A broad, dark-shelled turtle with many fine yellow stripes on the head and neck and yellow markings on the limbs.