Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata

Description:

Spotted Turtle sitting in a patch of algae at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Habitat:

Marsh area

Notes:

I initially thought this was a Eastern Painted Turtle, and didn't realize it was a Spotted Turtle until I looked at the pictures later on. Spotted Turtles are fairly rare in my area and one of only 3 species of local turtle I haven't had the chance to see. I learned two things from the experience: 1. I need glasses and 2. I need to go back for better pictures.