Turtles in Iowa

The borders of the state of Iowa are defined by the Missouri River on the east and the Big Sioux River on the west – the only U.S. state to have this distinction. Besides the two rivers are several freshwater lakes, including Clear Lake, Spirit Lake, and West and East Okoboji Lakes. As a result of this diverse number of lakes, several freshwater species of turtle can be found here. These include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Northern Map Turtle, and the Wood Turtle.

Types of Turtles Found in Iowa

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Blanding’s Turtles

•  Blanding’s Turtle

Painted Turtles

• Western Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

• Northern Map Turtle
• Ouachita Map Turtle
• False Map Turtle

Box Turtles

• Ornate Box Turtle

Glyptemys Turtles

• Wood Turtle

Sliders

• Red-eared Slider
• Pond Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
• Yellow Mud Turtle

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

• Midland Smooth Softshell
• Spiny Softshell

FAQ