I found a turtle on the side of the road, I am trying to identify it, any suggestions on websites or anything?

Question

I picked it up for my son, but I want to make sure it's not a snapping turtle, but I can't find any websites that tell me much of anything.

Answer 1

Ok first off, trying to ID this turtle is the last of your worries. Turtles of any kind are demanding animals and have to have very specific habitats in captivity and actually cost a lot of money. To start their habitat, it usually takes $200 to $500. Then you have to take into account that you'll have 24 hours a day 7 days a week of electricity to heat, filter, and provide lighting for them. Then you have to worry about it's specific needs. And wild turtles are not good pets. They do horribly in captivity. Normally they live for 20+ years in the wild but when taken into captivity they usually only live on average 3 years. It's stressful and unhealthy for them. They don't know how to be captive, they're programed to be wild and hunt and catch their meals, not be fed on a schedule or any of the things you do with a captive turtle. This is all not to mention that it's illegal in every state to capture wild animals and force them into captivity. And, it's also bad for the ecosystems. If you want a turtle, do your research, provide the habitat, wait a couple days and then buy a turtle from a reputible pet store or breeder. There's no need to capture them from their homes. Please let this turtle go where you found it. If you come back looking to buy a turtle many of us will be more than happy to direct you to good web sites about them but being that it's been captured, I can't do this to the poor turtle.

Answer 2

Two good ID sources are:
- Google search your state's name and the word 'turtle', like 'Iowa turtle'- many states have a good web page on their local animals.
- Try the 'World of Turtles' gallery at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com Very helpful!

If the turtle is basically 'brown' with paler skin, it is likely a snapper or another species that is not a good pet.

If the shell is some variation of black and green, it is probably a slider or Painted Turtle;
- If the belly is red, it is likely a Painted Turtle.
- If the belly is yellow, and it has red stripes on the neck, it is a Red-Ear Slider.
= If the bellow is yellow with no red stripes, it is probably a Yellow-belly Slider.

As for keeping it as a pet, please don't. Wild caught turtles make poor pets, and are illegal to collect in many places (not a huge legal penalty, but not a great role model.)

If you DO decide to keep it as a pet, read this article first: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/firstturtle.htm

Answer 3

You shouldn't have taken the turtle away from its natural habitat. It's also illegal to do so. This is not a toy for your son's amusement. That turtle had a life of his/her own and possible eggs or hatchlings.

You'd better contact a wildlife organization. They are specially trained and know what to do. And if you do give the turtle to them, be sure and make a donation.

Answer 4

Hello..it would help to know what state you're in & just so you know it's illegal to take things from the wild, especially turtles... aquatic turtles & while the wild creatures are immune to the diseases they carry - like salmonella, e coli - cause they are raw meat eaters, you , your son, the family & other pets are not immune...& while they can't speak, takin them for their home/ the wild... is like taking you from yours & caging you ( they are not just some dumb animal ! )..don't imagine anyone would like it ..not too mention that if everyone took something when they found it..it can descimate a native population..not kool !!! If you want a GOOD, HEALTHY reptile that will survive & thrive best in captivity go to a reptile store that deals in LEGAL & Captive Breds ..Plz & TY :)

Answer 5

would not worry me in any respect. Pets die in the line because of the fact human beings are irresponsible. There are too many canines and cats in u.s., too many careless human beings. undergo in suggestions, the deadliest animal in u.s., different than human beings, is the kin canine. All this politically superb nonsense in direction of canines and cats is the main reason puppy proprietors get sued. some 0.33 of householders criminal cases for insurance are blamed on the kin canine. In different words, maximum human beings haven't any business enterprise possessing a canine. in certainty i'm getting dissatisfied once I see wild animals killed on the line. particularly considering some human beings easily with reason, run them over. that is composed of snakes. it is been nicely documented that the vehicle kills extra flora and fauna that the rest. relatively unhappy, because of the fact maximum of that should be prevented.

Answer 6

A checklist:
http://pick4.pick.uga.edu/mp/20q?guide=Turtles

Answer 7

Please do not force this turtle into captivity. If you want to give your son a turtle, then purchase one from a local pet shop. Those were captive bred. Wild turtles may not willingly adjust to a captive diet, nor will they be happy (How would you feel, going from a mansion, to a 1 bedroom apartment?)

Answer 8

heres a website about all kinds of types of turtles

Answer 9

www.google.com then WEB and type in turtle it will give you anything and everything you need to know about turtle and anything else you want.

Answer 10

try wikipedia :)