Coastal Plain Cooter

The Coastal Plain cooter is a large aquatic turtle reaching a maximum carapace length of 15.6 inches. The shell is highly elevated, with the highest point in the middle. The carapace (upper shell) is usually light to dark brown, with complex, light-colored concentric markings. They also have ring-shaped markings on the outer bottom scutes. The head and legs are covered in the same colours. But, the lines are vertical and parallel.

The feet of the cooter are built for the reptile’s lifestyle. They have sharp claws, which can help provide traction as they dig through the dirt. For swimming, the turtles take advantage of thin webbing between each toe.