Common Musk Turtle

Sternotherus odoratus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The common musk turtle is a small bottom-dwelling turtle, very common in eastern North America even though hardly anyone sees it: it walks along the beds of streams rather than swimming, and rarely leaves the water. Its name comes from the glands that release a pungent secretion when it is disturbed.

Weight

200 g – 600 g

Size

8 cm – 14 cm

Lifespan

50 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Crepuscular

Active above all at dawn and dusk.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

FreshwaterOmnivore Nocturnal Crepuscular Solitary Reptile Freshwater

2countries 26parks 7dive sites1same family

Fun facts

GeneralIt gives off a strong smell from its glands when threatened.
It owes its popular nickname to its defence: glands beside the bridge of the shell release an extremely pungent, persistent secretion when it is handled, which has earned it the name stinkpot.
It walks along the bottom rather than swimming, and can absorb oxygen straight from the water through the lining of its mouth and throat, which lets it stay submerged for months in winter.
It is a great climber for an aquatic turtle: it goes up branches leaning over the water to bask, and quite often drops into boats passing underneath.