River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna
Class
Reptilia
Order
Chelonia
Family
Emydidae
River Cooter
Range
Eastern and southeastern United States
Size
9 - 12 in
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
Young
Clutch: 7 - 18 eggs
Diet
Aquatic plants
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Description
The river cooter is a large, freshwater turtle. It has a light, backward-facing C-shaped mark on the second scute on each side of the carapace that can be used to distinguish it from the Florida cooter.
Behavior
They bask on exposed logs and rocks, and quickly enter the water when approached.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in early summer. Clutch sizes range between 7 and 18 eggs.