Turtles in Oklahoma

Informally called the “Sooner State,” Oklahoma has several freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers that help turtles to survive. Notable species include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Southern Painted Turtle, and the Ornate Box Turtle.

Types of Turtles Found in Oklahoma

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle
• Alligator Snapping Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

• Southern Painted Turtle
• Western Painted Turtle

Chicken Turtles

• Western Chicken Turtle

Map Turtles

• Northern Map Turtle
• Ouachita Map Turtle
• Mississippi Map Turtle

Cooters

• Eastern River Cooter

Box Turtles

• Three-toed Box Turtle
• Common Box Turtle
• Ornate Box Turtle
• Western Box Turtle

Sliders

• Red-eared Slider
• Pond Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Mud Turtle
• Razor-backed Musk Turtle 
• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
• Mississippi Mud Turtle
• Yellow Mud Turtle

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

• Midland Smooth Softshell
• Spiny Softshell

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