Turtles in Rhode Island

With a nickname like the ‘Ocean State,’ it should be no surprise that saltwater turtles often visit Rhode Island. However, there are quite a few freshwater species in the state. These include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Wood Turtle, and the Spotted Turtle.

Types of Turtles Found in Rhode Island

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

Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys)

• Hawksbill Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

• Eastern Painted Turtle

Terrapins

• Northern Diamondback Terrapin

Spotted Turtles

• Spotted Turtle

Blanding’s Turtles

•  Blanding’s Turtle

Box Turtles

• Eastern Box Turtle
• Common Box Turtle

Glyptemys Turtles

• Wood Turtle

Sliders

• Pond Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

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