Submit Observation



Step 1: Upload photo(s) of the turtle(s) sighted.


Make sure much of the turtle(s) is/are visible including head and belly. If you find multiple turtles at once, make sure to include them all.


Warning: DO NOT DISTURB THE TURTLE(S) WHILE TAKING PICTURES


NEXT STEP ↓



Step 2: Where did you see the turtle(s)?


Navigate to the location using the map and drop a pin there. Zoom in to be as accurate as possible.


NEXT STEP ↓



Step 3: Try to Identify the turtle(s) you saw.


To add a turtle sighting, find the turtle that looks like the one you saw and click/tap on the picture. If you need help, select the Turtle ID tool . If you still don't know, select Unknown Turtle.


Red-eared Slider

  • Greenish grey head commonly with a red patch just behind each eye but some individuals lack the red “ear” stripe
  • Top shell dark colored with a black and yellow line pattern, margin edge is serrated
  • Bottom shell yellow with black splotches
  • Yellow stripes along neck and legs
What was/were the turtle(s) doing?
Basking
Nesting
Walking
Swimming
Other

Western Painted Turtle

  • Head and legs are dark green with yellow lines
  • Bottom shell is red or orange with unique black pattern
  • Top shell varies from olive to brown and is slightly flattened and smooth with red/orange markings along the margin
  • Length ranges based on age with a max length of about 10 inches
What was/were the turtle(s) doing?
Basking
Nesting
Walking
Swimming
Other


Turtle Identification Tool





Northwestern Pond Turtle

  • Lacks bright coloration on bottom shell which is usually a creamy yellow with some dark blotches
  • Top shell ranges in color from dark brown to olive
  • Head and legs are dark brown to olive
  • Grows up to 10 inches long
What was/were the turtle(s) doing?
Basking
Nesting
Walking
Swimming
Other

Common Snapping Turtle

  • Oval shell widens toward the back where it is strongly serrated
  • Shell color varies from tan/brown to olive to almost black
  • Bottom shell (plastron) yellowish, small and cross shaped
  • Top of tail has a series of large triangular plates
What was/were the turtle(s) doing?
Basking
Nesting
Walking
Swimming
Other


Unknown Turtle

What was/were the turtle(s) doing?
Basking
Nesting
Walking
Swimming
Other



NEXT STEP ↓



Step 4: Contact Information


Your contact information will only be used by researchers to contact you if they have more questions about your observation.