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The western painted turtle became the state reptile of Colorado in 2008. They are one of the few types of turtles that can be found across Colorado and the western United States. The western painted turtle got its name from its sometimes bright yellow, orangish-red, and dark grayish green patterns on the bottom of its shell. They have dull dark grayish green upper shell to help it blend into its environment. The turtle has clawed webbed feet which help it swim quickly and dig in the mud. The turtles eat small fish, frogs, snails, crayfish, insects, other small animals, carrion, and sometimes plants. The turtles are often seen basking in the sun on logs or rocks by ponds, lakes, or slower moving streams. They do this to warm up their body so it can get faster to catch its food and to help digest its food. It can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes at a time. If it can't escape, the turtle will pull its legs and head inside its shell for protection. The turtle lays its 6 to 18 eggs underground each year. The temperature of the den decide whether the eggs hatch into males or females. During the winter time, the western painted turtle digs deep holes in the mud and hibernates over winter. The western painted turtle is perfectly suited to survive in its aquatic habitats.
Sources of information and to find more information: Biokids Critter Catalog, CO Div of Wildlife
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