Eastern musk turtle

Musk turtles rarely swim far: they walk along the bottom, poking into debris for food. They can climb surprisingly well and sometimes bask on branches above the water, dropping in when disturbed. When handled they release a strong-smelling musk and may bite.

Musk turtles eat snails, carrion and aquatic insects in great numbers and are themselves eaten by fish, herons and snakes. They are among the longest-lived small turtles, with some individuals known for more than 50 years.

Nest — Shallow, in soil, rotting logs or under leaf litter
Eggs — Usually 2 to 5, hard-shelled and oval
Incubation — About 60 to 85 days
Hatchlings — Barely 2 cm long
Maturity — At 3 to 7 years
Lifespan — Can exceed 50 years

• A musk turtle on land can be helped across a road in the direction it was heading. Hold it by the back of the shell, away from its mouth.
• Discarded fishing line and hooks are a common cause of injury.

• A turtle that smells has something wrong with it. The musk is a defence, released on purpose when the turtle is frightened.

• Loggerhead musk turtle
• Stripe-necked musk turtle
• Eastern mud turtle