Reptile/Amphibian
Painted Turtle
Maine’s most colorful sunbather
Where They Soak It In
Common across Maine in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow streams. If you see a line of turtles stacked on a log, odds are these are painted turtles.
Sun’s Out, Shells Out
Painted turtles spend hours basking in the sun, often piling on top of each other for the best spot. At the slightest disturbance? Splash – everyone’s back in the water.
Quick Facts
Average Size
Medium-sized turtles, typically 5-7 inches long, often seen soaking up the sun to regulate body temperature.
What's on the Menu
A mix of aquatic plants, insects, snails, and small fish.
The Look
Dark shell with bright red and yellow markings along the edges, plus bold striping on the head and legs. Like the speed stripes on a hotrod. Minus the speed. And the hotrod.
