Species Reptiles & AmphibiansFlorida Cooter

Florida Cooter

Pseudemys floridana

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Florida Cooter (Pseudemys floridana)

The Florida Cooter is a large, herbivorous turtle that basks prominently in groups on logs and banks. It is one of the most common turtles in Florida's freshwater habitats. Its shell has distinctive yellow markings on a dark background.

Habitat
Lakes, ponds, rivers, and canals in the Southeast
Diet
Aquatic plants and algae
How common
Common

Best time to see a Florida Cooter

The best time to see a Florida Cooter is October–March, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,237 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Florida Cooter sightings near you

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

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