Alabama map turtles occur from extreme eastern Louisiana in the Pearl River, across Mississippi and Alabama, to western Georgia in the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers … Outdoor Alabama
Range: Alabama map turtles occur from extreme eastern Louisiana in the Pearl River, across Mississippi and Alabama, to western Georgia in the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers. In Alabama, it can be found in the Alabama, Tombigbee, Tensaw, Black Warrior, and Coosa rivers and their tributaries.
Habitat: Alabama map turtles prefer rivers and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
Pseudemys alabamensis
Where in Alabama
Range is restricted to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Mobile and Baldwin counties adjacent to Mobile Bay … Outdoor Alabama
Range: Range is restricted to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Mobile and Baldwin counties adjacent to Mobile Bay. Systematic sampling of major tributaries in coastal Alabama have shown them to be present in major rivers and tributaries of the Mobile Bay, Bayou La Batre, Fowl, Dog, Fish, Magnolia and Bon Secour rivers.
Habitat: Found in shallow vegetated backwaters of freshwater streams, rivers, bays, and bayous in or adjacent to Mobile Bay. (Outdoor Alabama)
Usually 15 to 26 inches of shell and 35 to 150 pounds; males can reach 29 inches and 249 pounds, females about 22 inches and 62 pounds. Missouri records over 250 pounds.
How to recognize it
Three prominent ridges on the upper shell
Very large head with a sharp, strongly hooked beak
Extra row of scutes on each side of the shell
Where in Alabama
Macroclemys temminckii is confined to the Gulf of America drainages of the United States and is widespread in the lower Mississippi Valley. [...] Distribution in Alabama … Outdoor Alabama
Range: Macroclemys temminckii is confined to the Gulf of America drainages of the United States and is widespread in the lower Mississippi Valley. [...] Distribution in Alabama is statewide or nearly so.
Habitat: The alligator snapper typically inhabits slow moving deep water of rivers and their tributaries. (Outdoor Alabama)
Adults 5 to 6 feet long, 750 to 1,000 pounds (NOAA). Texas Parks and Wildlife cites weights up to 1,300 lb and shells up to 8 feet.
How to recognize it
The only sea turtle that lacks scales and a hard shell.
Front flippers proportionally longer than in other sea turtles; rear flippers paddle-shaped.
Usually a pink spot on top of the head that can identify individuals.
Where in Alabama
Can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of the continental U.S., and occur throughout the Gulf of America including the coast of Alabama. Outdoor Alabama
What the sources say
Habitat: Coastal waters, but often found in open ocean and appears well adapted to a pelagic existence. (Outdoor Alabama)
Previously thought to be restricted to the Apalachicola River system, including the Chipola (from which it was first described) and Apalachicola Rivers in Florida, the … Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
HIGH CONSERVATION CONCERN; Protected: Alabama Reg. 220-2-.92
What the sources say
Range: Previously thought to be restricted to the Apalachicola River system, including the Chipola (from which it was first described) and Apalachicola Rivers in Florida, the Flint River in Georgia, and the Chattahoochee River along the Alabama-Georgia border. In Alabama, occurs northward at least to Russell County but is exceedingly scarce throughout.
Habitat: Exclusively rivers and associated habitats. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Black-knobbed Sawback
Black-knobbed Sawback
Graptemys nigrinoda ssp
Where in Alabama
Found in Alabama and Mississippi, the Northern back-knobbed sawbackinhabits the Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Cahaba rivers from the Fall Line southward to approximately the … Outdoor Alabama
Range: Found in Alabama and Mississippi, the Northern back-knobbed sawbackinhabits the Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Cahaba rivers from the Fall Line southward to approximately the Wilcox-Monroe County line in Alabama. The Southern black-knobbed sawback is an endemic of Alabama where it is found primarily in the rivers, lakes and streams located in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Habitat: Black-knobbed sawback turtles are associated with sand and clay-bottomed streams with moderate currents and abundant basking sites of brush piles, logs, and other debris. (Outdoor Alabama)
The Gulf Coast box turtle occurs in counties near the Florida line and intergrades with the three-toed box turtle in the lower coastal plain. Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Low Conservation Concern; Possession limit and no sale: Alabama Reg. 220-2-.92(4)
What the sources say
Habitat: Preferred habitats are wooded wetlands and moist forested areas. (Outdoor Alabama)
They range from New York, south to Florida, west along the Gulf Coast to Texas, north in the Mississippi Valley to Missouri, southern Illinois and southern Indiana … Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Lowest Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Range: They range from New York, south to Florida, west along the Gulf Coast to Texas, north in the Mississippi Valley to Missouri, southern Illinois and southern Indiana. It is found throughout Alabama.
Habitat: The Eastern mud turtle prefers slow moving bodies of water with soft bottoms. (Outdoor Alabama)
Relatively recently (1992) seperated as species distinct from similar Alabama map turtle, G. [...] In the Graptemys pulchra species group, a group of Gulf Coast map … Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
HIGH CONSERVATION CONCERN; Protected: Alabama Reg. 220-2-.92
What the sources say
Range: Relatively recently (1992) seperated as species distinct from similar Alabama map turtle, G. [...] In the Graptemys pulchra species group, a group of Gulf Coast map turtles in which the females develop broadly expanded jaw surfaces, extreme sexual dimorphism is exhibited, and vertebral scutes develop into a spine-like keel.
Endemic to Alabama, and restricted to Black Warrior River system in west-central Alabama. Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
HIGH CONSERVATION CONCERN; Protected: Alabama Reg. 220-2-.92
What the sources say
Habitat: Medium-sized creeks to larger streams and even impoundments. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Florida Cooter
Florida Cooter
Pseudemys floridana
Where in Alabama
Alabama distribution is limited primarily to the lower coastal plain. Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Lowest Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Florida cooters are normally found in still permanent water with soft sandy bottoms and abundant vegetation, such as wetlands, marshes, and ponds. (Outdoor Alabama)
Known from only a few localities in southern Baldwin County and extreme southern Coastal Plain in the Yellow and Choctawhatchee river systems. Outdoor Alabama
Averages 9 to 11 inches long when grown; up to 15 inches.
How to recognize it
Stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flat, shovel-like front legs covered in thick scales
Domed, oblong shell with no keel
Burrow entrance is half-moon shaped with a fan of bare sand (apron) in front
Where in Alabama
Gopher tortoises occur in scattered populations in sandy upland habitat from southeastern South Carolina, south into Georgia and peninsular Florida, and west through the … Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
HIGH CONSERVATION CONCERN; Protected: Alabama Reg. 220-2-.92
What the sources say
Range: Gopher tortoises occur in scattered populations in sandy upland habitat from southeastern South Carolina, south into Georgia and peninsular Florida, and west through the panhandle of Florida, south Alabama, south Mississippi, and on to the southeastern regions of Louisiana. [...] In Alabama gopher tortoise populations usually occur below the fall line in the Southern Pine Plains and Buhrstone/Lime Hills ecoregions.
Habitat: The largest populations occur in dry, deep sandy soils where the overhead canopy is open. (Outdoor Alabama)
In the continental United States, found along Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and occasionally along the Pacific Coast. [...] Occasionally nest in the northeastern Gulf of … Outdoor Alabama
What the sources say
Range: In the continental United States, found along Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and occasionally along the Pacific Coast. [...] Occasionally nest in the northeastern Gulf of America along the Florida Panhandle.
Habitat: Often found in relatively shallow coastal or bay waters, except when migrating. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell
Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell
Apalone calvata
Where in Alabama
The Gulf Coast smooth soft shell turtle has a range that extends from the panhandle of Florida to Louisiana … Outdoor Alabama
What the sources say
Range: The Gulf Coast smooth soft shell turtle has a range that extends from the panhandle of Florida to Louisiana. Not a lot of information is available, but the turtle is known to inhabit the Pearl, Alabama, and Escambia River systems.
Habitat: Smooth softshell turtles are the most aquatic of all North American species of turtles. (Outdoor Alabama)
The Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtle is located from northern North Carolina all the way along the Gulf Coast to eastern Louisiana. Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Low Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtle can be found in most wetlands throughout their range including rivers, streams, ponds and large reservoir. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Lepidochelys kempi
Where in Alabama
Throughout Gulf of America and along Atlantic coast of the United States (Magnuson et al. [...] Stranding data indicate occurrence in coastal and bay waters of Alabama … Outdoor Alabama
What the sources say
Range: Throughout Gulf of America and along Atlantic coast of the United States (Magnuson et al. [...] Stranding data indicate occurrence in coastal and bay waters of Alabama, and historically, relatively large numbers reported to inhabit those coastal waters (Carr 1980).
Habitat: Well known for inhabiting and feeding in the coastal and estuarine waters of the entire Gulf of America and Atlantic Coast of the United States. (Outdoor Alabama)
Its range encompasses most of the southeastern United States from southern Virginia and eastern Tennessee down through Georgia, Florida and can be found in most of … Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Low Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Range: Its range encompasses most of the southeastern United States from southern Virginia and eastern Tennessee down through Georgia, Florida and can be found in most of Alabama.
Habitat: Loggerhead musk turtles generally prefer slower moving rivers, creeks and streams with a soft bottom. (Outdoor Alabama)
Adults 2.5 to 3.5 feet long and 200 to 350 pounds (NOAA). NCWRC gives 31 to 45 inches shell length and 170 to 350 pounds; SCDNR says adults can weigh as much as 300 pounds and reach up to four feet in shell length.
How to recognize it
Very large head with powerful jaws.
Slightly heart-shaped top shell.
Two pairs of scales (prefrontal scutes) between the eyes above the nostrils; two claws on each flipper.
Where in Alabama
Most abundant sea turtle occurring along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States; a few occur off the coast of California … Outdoor Alabama
What the sources say
Range: Most abundant sea turtle occurring along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States; a few occur off the coast of California. In the United States, they nest from North Carolina to the northern Gulf of America (Magnuson et al.
Habitat: Waters of the Continental Shelf, including many coastal and estuarine waters along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States(Carr 1952, Magnuson et al. (Outdoor Alabama)
In Alabama, confined to the estuaries, salt marshes, and nearby shallow waters of coastal Mobile and Baldwin Counties, including Dauphin Island (Marion 1986) … Outdoor Alabama
Range: In Alabama, confined to the estuaries, salt marshes, and nearby shallow waters of coastal Mobile and Baldwin Counties, including Dauphin Island (Marion 1986). Size of populations and precise distribution in Alabama very poorly known.
Habitat: A resident of coastal salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal creeks, so it is restricted to the Gulf Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes ecoregion. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Northern Map Turtle
Northern Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
Where in Alabama
Uncommon to locally common in Interior Plateau, Appalachian Plateau, and Ridge and Valley … Outdoor Alabama
Range: Uncommon to locally common in Interior Plateau, Appalachian Plateau, and Ridge and Valley. Absent from Coastal Plain, but occurs in Tennessee River system as well as upper Mobile Bay drainage (Black Warrior, Cahaba, and Coosa river systems).
Habitat: Northern map turtles inhabit slow moving lakes, rivers, streams and ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. (Outdoor Alabama)
No confirmed photo of Ouachita Map Turtle
Ouachita Map Turtle
Graptemys ouachitensis ouachitensis
Where in Alabama
Fairly common in Tennessee River reservoirs of northern Alabama. Outdoor Alabama
Locally abundant in Alabama, the painted turtle is one of the most widespread turtles in North America. [...] The southern subspecies has the largest distribution in … Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Lowest Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Range: Locally abundant in Alabama, the painted turtle is one of the most widespread turtles in North America. [...] The southern subspecies has the largest distribution in Alabama in the western half of the state from the Tennessee River system to Mobile Bay, while the midland subspecies occurs in the extreme northeast corner of the state.
Habitat: Painted turtles occur in slow-moving, shallow streams, rivers and lakes. (Outdoor Alabama)
Range: Southeastern Oklahoma to southern and eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, Louisiana, south-central Mississippi, and extreme southwestern Alabama. In Alabama, only reported from Escatawpa River (Blankenship et al.
Habitat: Throughout majority of distribution inhabits rivers, slow streams, and swamps that have little current, a soft bottom, and abundant aquatic vegetation and bask sites. (Outdoor Alabama)
Common and statewide in rivers, lakes, and large streams. Subspecific allocation of Alabama's populations is problematic. Outdoor Alabama
Conservation
Lowest Conservation Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Aptly named, river cooters are primarily found in rivers or large streams, but occasionally are found in ditches or saltwater areas near mouths of rivers. (Outdoor Alabama)
The common snapping turtle has a more rounded shell without the three prominent ridges, a saw-toothed row of scales on top of the tail, and eyes visible from above.
Adult leatherbacks differ from all other sea turtles, including the loggerhead, in their large size, spindle-shaped body and leathery shell without scales.
Loggerhead sea turtle or Loggerhead musk turtle (a different, freshwater animal)?
Despite the name, the loggerhead musk turtle is a small freshwater turtle, usually 3 to 5 inches long, living in creeks and streams of the Southeast. Outdoor Alabama
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When turtles are active in Alabama
Records of turtles in Alabama peak in March to June. They show when people record turtles, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
474 records of turtles in Alabama by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
Nuisance wildlife: permitted Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators or the WFF district office; Wildlife Section 334-242-3469. Sea turtle strandings 1-866-732-8878. Dolphin and whale strandings 877-942-5343. Manatee sightings 866-493-5803. Invasive carp [email protected] or (256)-353-2634. Outdoor Alabama
About this list
The species list comes from Turtles (Outdoor Alabama) (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama), undated page; as of retrieval 2026-11-03). 32 more entries come from other official sources named on each card.
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
Sources
Watchable Wildlife. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Turtles. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Alabama Map Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Alabama Red-bellied Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Alligator Snapping Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Atlantic Leatherback. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Barbour's Map Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Black-knobbed Sawback. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Common Snapping Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Eastern Box Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Eastern Chicken Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Eastern Mud Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Eastern Spiny Softshell. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Escambia Map Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Flattened Musk Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Florida Cooter. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Florida Softshell. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Gopher Tortoise. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Green Sea Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Loggerhead Musk Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“The loggerhead musk turtle is a relatively small aquatic turtle, usually averaging 3 to 5 inches in length.”
Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“Has very large head with a massive jaw, and a short snout with two pairs of prefrontal scutes above the nostrils. … with two claws on each flipper.”
Midland Smooth Softshell. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Mississippi Diamond Back Terrapin. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Northern Map Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Ouachita Map Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Painted Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Pond Slider. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Razor-backed Musk Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
River Cooter. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Stinkpot. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Striped Mud Turtle. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
What to know about sea turtles. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (2)
“In Alabama, report stranded (sick, injured, entangled, hooked, or dead) sea turtles to the 24-hour hotline: 1-866-732-8878.”
“In Alabama, sea turtle season runs from May 1st, when mom sea turtles come to nest, through October 31st, when nests have finished hatching.”
Report Aquatic Invasive Species. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“Reports can be submitted at: [email protected] or by phone at (256)-353-2634.”
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