Table of Contents
How big are snapping turtles in Indiana?
Smaller turtles have more pronounced ridges and peaks on their carapace and turtles of all size have a long, spiny tail unlike most other Indiana turtles. Adult Snapping Turtles may have shell (carapace) lengths from 15 – 18 in (35 – 45 cm) and may weigh more than 50 lbs.
Are there alligator snapping turtles in Indiana?
Upon encountering a large Snapping Turtle, many people believe they have found an Alligator Snapping Turtle. However, in Indiana, Alligator Snapping Turtles are extremely rare and may now be extirpated.
What kinds of turtles live in Indiana?
Below is a complete listing of Indiana’s native species of turtles:
- Alligator snapping turtle (endangered)
- Blanding’s turtle (endangered)
- Eastern box turtle (special concern, protected)
- Eastern mud turtle (endangered)
- Eastern musk turtle.
- False map turtle (special concern)
- Northern map turtle.
How big do alligator turtles get?
Appearance. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. Male alligator snapping turtles can reach lengths of 29 inches (73.7 centimeters) and 249 pounds (112.9 kilograms), while females can reach lengths of 22 inches (55.9 centimeters) and 62 pounds (28.1 kilograms) (Ewert et al.
Can you hunt snapping turtles in Indiana?
For all nongame species where collection is allowed, there is a daily bag limit of two and a possession limit of four for each species. The snapping turtle, smooth softshell turtle and spiny softshell turtle are considered to be game species and regulated by hunting and fishing laws in Indiana.
Is it illegal to own a painted turtle in Indiana?
Many native, wild-caught turtles are still sold as pets, even though this practice is illegal in Indiana. The collection of wild turtles has caused many species to become endangered, especially when combined with habitat loss, water pollution and predators.
Is it illegal to keep a box turtle in Indiana?
Recent initiatives have led to the protection of the Eastern box turtle in Indiana. Since 2004, the collection of Eastern box turtles from the wild is prohibited. A permit is required to care for captive specimens in the state.
What is the largest turtle ever recorded?
The largest leatherback turtle ever recorded is a male found dead on the beach at Harlech, Gwynedd, on 23 September 1988. It measured 2.91 m (9 ft 5½ in) in total length over the carapace, 2.77 m (9 ft) across the front flippers and weighed 961.1 kg (2,120 lb).
What is the biggest snapping turtle in the United States?
The largest snapping turtle ever officially recorded was a 16 year old alligator snapping turtle that weighed in at a massive 249 pounds. This massive turtle was weighed at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago in 1999 prior to being sent to Tennessee Aquarium on breeding loan.
What eats turtles in Indiana?
Predators of the box turtle include raccoons, skunks, coyotes, dogs, ants, crows, snakes and hogs. Eggs are especially vulnerable to predation, along with young turtles whose unhardened shells offer little protection.
What pets are illegal in Indiana?
Each state regulates pet ownership of exotic animals. Indiana’s laws are relatively lenient, considering some states even ban ownership of pets such as the ferret. Indiana has no laws regulating ownership of common exotic animals, such as pet birds, domestic rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and rodents.
Can you own a box turtle in Indiana?
Do coyotes eat box turtles?
Predators. Because of their ability to retreat into their shell, adult box turtles have few predators. Raccoons, chipmunks, skunks, coyotes, foxes, snakes and owls prey on young box turtles or box turtle eggs.
Do box turtles get lost?
They spend their entire lives–which can span over a hundred years–in one small area and, if moved, they will spend the rest of their life trying to get home, crossing through unfamiliar territory and usually dying in the process. This is a great loss. Box turtles are an integral part of the forest ecosystem.
What’s the biggest snapping turtle ever caught?
249 pounds
The largest snapping turtle ever officially recorded was a 16 year old alligator snapping turtle that weighed in at a massive 249 pounds. This massive turtle was weighed at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago in 1999 prior to being sent to Tennessee Aquarium on breeding loan.
Are there snapping turtles in Indiana?
Therefore, any Snapping Turtle encountered out of water in Indiana is certainly this species. Also, Snapping Turtles can grow to nearly 75 lbs whereas Alligator Snapping Turtles can grow over twice as large, at over 150 lbs (a size that would be difficult for an average adult to lift).
What is the biggest alligator snapping turtle?
The biggest known alligator snapping turtle reached 31.5 inches. Where it lives: The alligator snapping turtle can usually be found at the bottom of rivers, lakes, sloughs, swamps, and bayous. Diet: Omnivorous.
Are there red eared slider turtles in Indiana?
Red-eared Slider Turtle The Latin name of this turtle is Trachemys scripta elegans. It is a popular pet turtle and the only native slider turtle in Indiana. As the name suggests, its most distinctive feature is a big bright red or sometimes orange stripe behind each eye.
How big do snapping turtles get?
Common snapping species have a long tail which is often longer than their upper shell. They also have a big head and a sharp hooked hard beak-like jaw. These turtles use it for tearing food and attacking predators. When mature, these turtles measure an average length of between 8 – 12 inches and weigh up to 35 lbs.