Turtles in Massachusetts

Despite being one of the smaller US states, Massachusetts is home to freshwater and seawater turtles. These aquatic reptiles can be seen in Cape Cod, Boston Harbor, and Massachusetts Bay. Some notable turtles include the Kemp Ridley’s Sea Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, and the Blanding’s Turtle.

Types of Turtles Found in Massachusetts

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

• Loggerhead Sea Turtle
• Green Sea Turtle
• Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

• Leatherback Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

• Eastern Painted Turtle

Terrapins

• Diamondback Terrapin

Spotted Turtles

• Spotted Turtle

Blanding’s Turtles

•  Blanding’s Turtle

Cooters

• Red-bellied Cooter

Box Turtles

• Eastern Box Turtle

Glyptemys Turtles

• Wood Turtle

Sliders

• Red-eared Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

• Spiny Softshell

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