WHICH TURTLE IS WHICH???
Our freshwater turtles come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes! Try to match each picture showing a Canadian native species with its description and name!
1. I’m a dark green turtle with a high, round shell and two white stripes on each side of my face. Because I make a foul-smelling liquid to protect myself, my other name is Stinkpot! 2. Like my name says, I am black with lots of bright yellow spots. Even if I mostly live in the water, I spend some time wandering on land in the spring. 3. I look prehistoric, with my large body, and long neck and spiked tail! Unlike other freshwater turtles, I can’t totally withdraw into my shell. 4. I have a dark face but bright orange or yellow legs. I spend the most time on land than all Canadian turtles, spending the whole summer in the woods. 5. I have coloured red and yellow stripes on my neck, face and legs, and red spots around the edge of my dark carapace. I’m the only turtle found from coast to coast in Canada. 6. My flat, soft shell is olive coloured with black spots and makes me easy to recognize. I like to bury myself in mud while using my long nose like a snorkel! 7. You can recognize me by my bright yellow chin and throat and my “smile”! I’m one of the two freshwater turtle species that can eat on land. 8. I have pretty yellow or light brown patterns all over my body and shell. I like to bask in the sun on rocks and logs. But if I’m startled, I’ll quickly plunge in the water!