Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)

Common in the eastern half of NC and uncommon to rare in the western half, Common Musk Turtles may be found in ponds, creeks, and streams, especially those with soft bottoms where it can hiburnate in the mud in winter.


Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Wake Co., NC
20 June 2009

Named for their musky odor, these turtles are omnivorous, dining mostly on snails and insects.

Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Wake Co., NC
20 June 2009

Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Wake Co., NC
20 June 2009

Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Wake Co., NC
20 June 2009


Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Wake Co., NC
20 June 2009

Different individual from above

Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Wake Co., NC
20 June 2009


Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus) Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
New Hope Creek in Orange Co., NC
10 June 2008

This photo was taken from ten feet away with the turtle several inches under water.


Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus) Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Neuse River, Wake Co., NC
30 May 2010
Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus) B>Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Neuse River, Wake Co., NC
30 May 2010
Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus) B>Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus)
Neuse River, Wake Co., NC
30 May 2010

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Created on ... Feb 20, 2007 | Updated on ... Feb 20, 2007 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com