Turtles in Kansas

Kansas has several rivers flowing through it and thus can support quite a few species of turtles. These include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Stinkpot Turtle, and the Ornate Box Turtle. The last one is notable as it is the state reptile of Kansas.

Types of Turtles Found in Kansas

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle
• Alligator Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

• Eastern Painted Turtle
• Western Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

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

Cooters

• Eastern River Cooter
• Missouri River Cooter

Box Turtles

• Eastern Box Turtle
• Three-toed Box Turtle
• Ornate Box Turtle

Sliders

• Red-eared Slider
• Yellow-bellied Slider
• Pond Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
• Yellow Mud Turtle

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

• Midland Smooth Softshell
• Western Spiny Softshell

FAQ