Turtles in Maine

Maine is the easternmost state in the United States. This means not only are there freshwater bodies like Moosehead Lake and South Twin Lake, but the Gulf of Maine overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, sea turtles like the Kemp’s Ridley and the Leatherback visit Maine’s beaches regularly, and the Common Snapping Turtle and the Wood Turtle are often spotted in the state’s rivers and lakes.

Types of Turtles Found in Maine

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

• Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

• Leatherback Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Blanding’s Turtles

•  Blanding’s Turtle

Painted Turtles

• Eastern Painted Turtle

Terrapins

• Diamondback Terrapin

Box Turtles

• Eastern Box Turtle

Glyptemys Turtles

• Wood Turtle

Spotted Turtles

• Spotted Turtle

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

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