Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
Common musk turtles are small, mostly aquatic turtles found in slow streams, ponds, marshes, and weedy lake edges across eastern North America. They spend much of their time walking along the bottom, feeding on aquatic insects, snails, worms, carrion, and small fish. When threatened, they may bite and release a strong musky odor from glands near the shell, earning the nickname “stinkpot.” Unlike many basking turtles, they are often secretive and may remain hidden among submerged vegetation or debris.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Common Musk Turtle