ANIMAL ESTATE client 1.11: EASTERN MUD TURTLE
FROM ANIMAL ESTATES 1.0: NEW YORK, NY
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Kinosternon subrubrum
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION: There are only five populations of the Eastern Mud Turtle remaining. Within their range, mud turtles are semi-aquatic, though they often wander away from water in mid-summer. They can be found in fresh or brackish water, including marshes, small ponds, wet ditches and fields, and offshore islands. They prefer shallow, soft-bottomed, slow-moving water with abundant vegetation. Individuals can be seen prowling pond bottoms during warmer months. If the habitat dries up, they may move over land to another body of water, or burrow into the mud and aestivate (pass the summer in a state of stupor). In New York, mud turtles hibernate from September to April or May. Of all turtle species in New York, the mud turtle apparently has the shortest activity period. Burrows, 1 to 3 feet deep in mud, sand or dry leaves at marsh or field edges, below the frost line, are used for overwintering. Mud turtles migrate 200-400 meters from their pond to nest. The mud turtle is the rarest species of turtle in New York. Mud turtles are seen crossing roads, most likely in search of nest sites or water. Turtles killed by passing cars are a very significant loss to populations. Draining wetlands for urban and industrial development has impacted populations, reducing the amount of suitable habitat. Upland nesting and hibernation sites have also been impacted by land clearing, development and fragmentation from road construction. Overcollecting for the illegal pet trade exploits adults necessary for sustaining populations.