Pond Turtle

The pond turtle is the largest group of turtles and can be found all over the world. One family is mainly restricted to North America, although a few are found in South America and Europe. The second family is found mainly in Asia, with a few in northern Africa and the New World tropics. Pond turtles are generally omnivorous, feeding on plants and diverse small animals. They have many predators such as alligators and raccoons. These species are typically the kinds of turtles that are used in the pet trade. Most pond turtles are semi aquatic, but some are strictly terrestrial and have a domed, tortoise-like shell. Like all turtles, pond turtles lay eggs on land, and females sometimes travel long distances from water in search of suitable nesting sites. Although many pond turtles are widespread and common, the bog turtle and a few others have small geographic ranges and are threatened with extinction.