There are over 240 species of turtles worldwide, but turtles are most abundant in Eastern North America.
Any permanent body of water can be a home for turtles. Sea turtles are the only saltwater species. Turtles reproduce by laying eggs in the spring. Hatching begins in late summer into the fall, depending on temperatures. During the winter months turtles will bury themselves in mud or sand with only their eyes and snout exposed.
Turtles rarely are a pest to people. They are easy prey for bears and raccoons in our area. Every effort should be made to ensure that local populations are not destroyed unless it is clearly demonstrated that they are a nuisance.