Species Reptiles & AmphibiansRiver Cooter

River Cooter

Pseudemys concinna

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna)

The River Cooter is a large, robust freshwater turtle that favors swift-flowing rivers. It basks in large groups on logs and rocks. Its shell has intricate yellow-green markings that fade with age.

Habitat
Rivers, streams, and large lakes with rocky or sandy bottoms
Diet
Aquatic vegetation, algae, and occasionally invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a River Cooter

The best time to see a River Cooter is February–June, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 23,843 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent River Cooter sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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