Growing to only about 10 cm (4 in) long, it’s no bigger than the palm of your hand, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Its most recognizable feature is the bright orange or yellow patch on each side of its neck, which stands out against its dark brown or black shell. These colorful spots are like nature’s little highlighter marks, helping researchers and wildlife fans spot them in the wild. Their shells are often slightly domed and look worn or smooth, giving them an ancient, wise look despite their small size.

Bog turtles live in very specific habitats – mainly in wetlands, muddy bogs, and slow-flowing spring-fed areas. They love places where they can burrow into soft, wet soil and hide among thick grasses and mosses. Because they’re so small and shy, bog turtles are excellent at hiding and often go unnoticed, even when they’re nearby. They’re also slow-moving and cautious, spending a lot of time basking in the sun or foraging for food like insects, worms, berries, and small plants. Like many turtles, they are active during the warmer months and hibernate during the winter by burying themselves in mud or under dense vegetation.

One really cool fact about bog turtles is that they can live a surprisingly long time. In the wild, they may live up to 40 years or more! That’s a long life for such a small animal. Unfortunately, their small size and unique look have also made them targets for illegal pet collectors, and habitat destruction has pushed them onto the endangered species list. Since they only live in very specific types of wetlands, any environmental changes – like farming, development, or pollution – can seriously affect their survival.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

United States

CR

2010