Record #:

7226

Author(s):

Beane, Jeff

Abstract:

Because it is a shy, secretive creature, few North Carolinians know of the Eastern chicken turtle's existence. These turtles live in fewer than fifteen counties in the southeastern corner of the state. Their habitat is shallow, quiet waters, including cypress-gum swamps, beaver wetlands, slow-moving blackwater streams, large ephemeral ponds, and Carolina bays. A number of characteristics distinguish the chicken turtle from other turtles, including being almost exclusively carnivorous; having a long, flexible neck; spending the winter months on land; and being able to live nine months burrowed under dry land instead of pond bottoms.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 69 Issue 6, June 2005, p20-25, il

Subject(s):

Deirochelys reticularia