Sternotherus odoratus
View of Plastron
This species is differentiated from similar mud turtles by their relatively small
plastron (bottom of shell) which has one hinge and exposed areas of skin between
plastron scutes.
These turtles are found throughout the eastern US
However, water pollution, racoon predations, fishing line and road mortality, and traps
are threats to this species.
This species is long-lived and cannot edure chronic rates of mortality
Source: http://www.uga.edu/turtles/steodo.htm
Auburn, Alabama