Size:  From 2 to 4.5 inches (5.1-11.5 cm.) in length.
Description:  Musk turtles have small plastrons with a single hing that provides little to no protection for their legs, and easily distinguishes them from the similar mud turtles.  Only wo light stripes on its head and a rounded shell distinguish this species from the Stripeneck Musk turtle and young snapping turtles.  Their carpace is often smooth and usually black in color; sometimes the carpace is covered with spots or streaks.  Males can be distinguished from females by their thick tail whose end is both sharp and horny; female tails are much smaller and lack the sharp ridges.
Habitat:  Abundant in most waterways, but not very visible except in shallow areas.  They are found in wetalnds, lakes, ponds and rivers, but prefer still water.  Rare at higher elevations.
Range:  Musk turtles can be found from Southern Canada all of the way to Southern Florida, along the east coast.  They are found throughout most of North Carolina.
Note: Connon Musk Turtles earned the nickname "stinkpot" from the smell they secrete when frightened.

 

Musk Turtle plastron	Range of the Commmon Musk Turtle in the Carolinas and Virginia	Hatchling Musk Turtle