Overview
The northern map turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle. It is known for the map-like lines and prominent ridge on its shell, along with distinctive yellow or cream-coloring behind the eyes. These turtles inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. Northern map turtles may live 20 to 30 years. Males don’t reproduce until they’re 3 to 5 years old, while females wait until they’re 8 to 13 years old. Females lay six to 20 eggs in late spring or early summer that hatch after 60 to 90 days. Threats to northern map turtles include habitat loss and degradation, as well as illegal collection.
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Geography
Watch for northern map turtles in northern Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, eastern Iowa, northern Georgia, eastern Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, eastern Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, northeastern Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.