Turtles in Nebraska

Several rivers, like the Missouri River, the Niobrara River, and the Platte River, pass through Nebraska. It also has several diverse terrestrial areas, including the High Plains and Pine Ridge. These habitats let both land turtles, like the Ornate Box Turtle, and aquatic turtles, like the Common Snapping Turtle, thrive in the state. The Ornate Box Turtle is also the state reptile of Nebraska.

Types of Turtles Found in Nebraska

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

• Northern Painted Turtle
• Western Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

• False Map Turtle

Blanding’s Turtles

•  Blanding’s Turtle

Box Turtles

• Ornate Box Turtle

Sliders

• Red-eared Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Yellow Mud Turtle

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

• Midland Smooth Softshell
• Western Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Nebraska?

While there aren’t any turtles currently endangered, the Blanding’s Turtle could be potentially at risk as only a select few isolated populations exist in the state.