Common musk turtle

A small freshwater turtle is known for its unpleasant smell

Ontley

It is a widespread and abundant species that can be found along the coast of the eastern United States. They usually live in permanent bodies of water, like shallow streams, ponds, rivers, or clear-water lakes, and it is rare to find the turtle elsewhere. Their diet includes plants, mollusks, small fish, insects, and even carrion.

Their strong, repulsive, foul-smelling odor that they may release from their scent glands when they feel threatened is how they got their moniker. They are also very moody and can bite when angry or threatened. Currently, their populations seem stable and are designated as a species of Least concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Canada
2010
Québec, Ontario
Mexico
2010
Chihuahua
United States
2010

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No