Suwannee Cooter Turtle

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The Suwannee Cooter Turtle, Chrysemys conciuna suwanniensis, is very recognizable as it has bright yellow markings on its shell, head and front feet. They live in springs and rivers throughout North and Central Florida, living a laid-back existence, spending most of their time asleep on rocks and logs, until danger approaches. They are mainly herbivores, feeding on any aquatic vegetation they find in their watery home.

Being slow moving creatures, they rarely leave the safety of water, as there are a multitude of dangers on land; that include predators, dessication from the hot Floridian sunshine and humans. Females usually only leave the water twice a year to lay their eggs in specially excavated nests. These eggs hatch after three months, and the young turtles make their way to the water.

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Pair of Suwanee Cooters in the run at Ginnie Spring, North Florida

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Suwanee cooter turtle hiding out at Edward Spring