Turtles As Pets: North Carolina's Law And Order

North Carolina is home to a variety of turtles, including freshwater and sea turtles. Some native turtles are protected by law, such as the Bog turtle, while others like the Eastern Box turtle are more widespread and serve as the state reptile. The laws around owning turtles as pets in North Carolina can be confusing, but it is not illegal to own a turtle as long as it is not an endangered species.

Turtle species that are legal to own as pets in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is legal to own a turtle as long as it is not an endangered species. You can own up to five turtles without a permit from the state. If you want to own more than five, you will need to obtain a permit.

The following turtle species are legal to own as pets in North Carolina:

Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)

The Eastern Mud Turtle is a small semi-aquatic turtle that is sometimes mistaken for the Common Musk Turtle. They can be differentiated by the two stripes on the Common Musk Turtle's head, which are absent in the Eastern Mud Turtle. Mud Turtles have double-hinged plastrons (the lower part of the shell) and can grow up to 5 inches in length. They prefer shallow, slow-moving water and are sometimes found in brackish marshes. As hatchlings, they may resemble Common Snapping Turtle hatchlings, but can be distinguished by their hinged plastrons and shorter tails.

Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii)

The Striped Mud Turtle is very similar to the Eastern Mud Turtle, but can be differentiated by the three stripes on its carapace (shell). Sometimes, these stripes may not be visible. Like the Eastern Mud Turtle, this species prefers shallow, stagnant water. They can be kept in a minimum tank size of 20 gallons, with a small land setup and a basking spot.

Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

The Common Musk Turtle is a small, mostly aquatic turtle. It has a distinctive musky smell due to a secretion from its anal glands, earning it the nickname "Stinkpot" Turtle. It is found across all of North Carolina and can be identified by the two stripes on its face. They require a 20-gallon tank, a strong filtration system, and a basking spot of about 90°F.

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

The Common Snapping Turtle is a large, aggressive, freshwater species found across North Carolina in larger bodies of water like lakes. They are easily identified by their distinctive hooked jaws and long tails. They can be kept in a 300-gallon stock tank or an outdoor pond.

It is important to note that while these species are legal to own as pets in North Carolina, it is crucial to only adopt or purchase captive-bred specimens. Taking native turtles from the wild or releasing non-native species can negatively impact the local environment and native animal populations.

Turtle species that are illegal to own as pets in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is legal to own a turtle as a pet, but this depends on the species of the turtle. There are several turtle species that are illegal to own as pets in North Carolina. Here is a detailed list:

Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)

The Diamondback Terrapin is one of the protected species that are illegal to own as pets in North Carolina. This species is native to the brackish coastal tidal marshes of the eastern United States and is considered threatened or endangered in some areas due to habitat loss and other factors.

Eastern Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera spinifera)

The Eastern Spiny Softshell turtle is another protected species that is unlawful to possess as a pet in North Carolina. This turtle is characterised by its soft, spiny shell and is found in the eastern United States, primarily in rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Stripeneck Musk Turtle (Sternotherus minor peltifer)

The Stripeneck Musk Turtle, also known as the Loggerhead Musk Turtle, is included in the list of illegal pet turtle species in North Carolina. This turtle is distinguished by the yellow stripes on its neck and is native to the southeastern United States, typically inhabiting slow-moving waters.

Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)

The Bog Turtle is a small, semi-aquatic turtle that is considered endangered in many parts of its range, including North Carolina. It is illegal to own this species as a pet without the necessary permits and licenses. Bog turtles prefer moist environments, such as wetlands and meadows, and are found in the eastern United States.

Sea Turtles

All seven species of sea turtles are protected by law in North Carolina, making it illegal to own any of them as pets. The seven species include:

• Loggerhead turtles
• Green sea turtles
• Leatherback turtles
• Hawksbill turtles
• Kemp's ridley turtles
• Olive ridley turtles
• Flatback turtles

Endangered Turtle Species

It is illegal to own any endangered turtle species in North Carolina without a license or permit from the state. This is to ensure the protection and conservation of these vulnerable turtles.

How to obtain a license to sell turtles in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is legal to sell turtles, but only if you have a license or permit. Selling turtles without a license is illegal and punishable by law. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain a license to sell turtles in North Carolina:

Understanding the Law:

The term "turtle" in North Carolina's turtle laws includes all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. It is important to note that the laws apply to both native and exotic species. While there is no mention of non-native species in the regulations, they are assumed to be unregulated, except that they may not be released into the wild.

License Requirements:

To sell turtles in North Carolina, you will need a license from the state. The specific type of license you need depends on the number and species of turtles you intend to sell. Here are the key license requirements:

• Selling Fewer than Five Turtles per Year: According to TurtleOwner.com, you can sell fewer than five turtles per year without a permit. However, this does not apply to endangered or vulnerable species, which are always illegal to sell.
• Selling Five or More Turtles per Year: If you plan to sell five or more turtles in a year, you will need a license or permit. This applies to both native and exotic species. The exact type of license required may depend on the species you are selling.
• Selling Endangered or Vulnerable Species: It is illegal to sell or commercialize in any way endangered or vulnerable turtle species, including the seven protected sea turtle species. If you wish to work with these species, you will need specific permits, as outlined on the Fish and Wildlife government site.
• Selling Native Turtle Species: According to Nauti-Lass Critters, Inc., no native turtles or terrapins shall be purchased or sold without a permit. Possession permits are required for the possession, importation, transportation, purchase, and sale of five or more individuals of native reptile species.
• Selling Snapping Turtles: For selling snapping turtles, a specific license is required, with daily and yearly limits on the number of turtles that can be collected. This license is only available to North Carolina residents.

Obtaining a License:

To obtain a license for selling turtles in North Carolina, you can refer to the following resources:

• Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for information on licenses, permits, and regulations: Nauti-Lass Critters, Inc. provides a link to their main site.
• For information on applying for a Wildlife Collection License or a Scientific Fish Collection License, you can visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com or call 888-248-6834.
• For information on endangered species permits and working with sea turtles, visit the Fish and Wildlife government site: https://www.fws.gov.
• For general information on turtle laws in North Carolina, refer to TurtleOwner.com.

Please note that the information provided here is not legal advice, and you should always refer to the official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

How to care for pet turtles in North Carolina

It is legal to own a turtle in North Carolina, provided it is not an endangered species. If you want to own more than five turtles, you will need a permit from the state.

Tank Setup

The tank should be at least 40 gallons to allow for growth to adult size and should include a heat lamp for basking. The tank must include a land area or dry area and a swimming area or wet area. The water depth in the tank should be approximately one and a half to two times the length of the turtle. The enclosure should be at least four to five times longer and three to four times wider than the turtle. The depth of the water should be roughly one and a half to two times the turtle's length. For example, a 4-inch-long turtle needs a 40-gallon aquarium that measures at least 20–24 inches in length by 16–20 inches in width, with water depth of 6–8 inches.

The tank should have an area at the top that is above water for the turtle to bask in. The basking area should be easily accessible from the water and should be kept at a temperature of 85–95 °F (32-35 °C), while the cooler end of the habitat should be around 75 °F (24 °C). The water in the tank should be maintained at 75 °F (24 °C).

The tank should also be fitted with a good aquarium filter to keep the water clean, as turtles produce a lot of waste. It is also important to use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and pollutants from the water.

Lighting

Reptiles need a 12-hour day/night cycle. Use a UVB bulb and a basking bulb, each with a timer, near the turtle's dry area to mimic sunlight and control the temperature.

Water Changes

Change 50% of the tank's water at least once a week. Completely replace the water at least once a month, if not more. Use dechlorinated water and water conditioners to achieve the desired water quality.

Diet

Turtles are omnivores, so their diet should include both meat and plants. Feed your turtle commercial aquatic turtle pellets, crickets, mealworms, waxworms, or feeder fish. Vegetables such as dark, leafy greens can be fed to the turtle 3-4 times a week. Juvenile turtles require more protein in their diet, while adults should consume more plant matter.

Handling

Turtles do not enjoy being handled frequently and can carry Salmonella bacteria, which is transmissible to people. Always wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat.

How to identify different turtle species in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is legal to own a turtle as long as it is not an endangered species. If you want to own more than five turtles, you will need a permit from the state.

Common Snapping Turtle

The largest of the freshwater turtles in North Carolina, the common snapping turtle is found across the state. It is easy to identify due to its long neck and tail. They are also known for their aggressive behaviour when disturbed.

Spiny Softshell Turtle

This turtle has a distinct flat body shape and leathery, studded skin. They are rarely found out of the water, preferring soft-bottomed water bodies. They have long necks and snorkel-like noses for breathing.

Bog Turtle

The bog turtle is the smallest species of turtle in the United States. It is distinguished by two yellow-orange splotches on either side of its head. They prefer wetlands and spend most of their time buried in the mud.

Diamondback Terrapin

The diamondback terrapin is mainly found in brackish water, although they can survive in freshwater. They prefer coastal marshes as their diet consists mostly of snails and crabs. They have a highly domed carapace and a hinged plastron.

Painted Turtle

The painted turtle has a unique shell with red, black, and yellow accents. This species is often found basking in still or non-moving water in lakes and ponds. The top of the shell is often brown or black with vertical yellow and orange markings, while the bottom is orange-red.

Spotted Turtle

The spotted turtle is easy to identify due to its dark shell and distinct yellow spots. They prefer the damp vegetative habitat of marshes and swamps with slow-moving shallow water.

Yellowbelly Slider

The yellowbelly slider is a common social basking turtle found in lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds in North Carolina. It has a yellow plastron and bright yellow and green striping.

Striped Mud Turtle

The North Carolina striped mud turtle is semi-aquatic and is often found buried beneath the foliage. Interestingly, it lacks the stripes that its name suggests.

Eastern Mud Turtle

The eastern mud turtle is small and smooth, and it is not a strong swimmer. It prefers to crawl along the bottom in search of food and can be found in both salt marshes and freshwater.

Stripeneck Musk Turtle

The stripe-neck musk turtle is identified by the thick bands on its neck and head. They are found in the rivers and lakes of the North Carolina mountains, and not much is known about this species.

Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

The common musk turtle, or stinkpot, will emit a strong and pungent smell when threatened. They are a very aquatic species and can be found all over North Carolina.

Frequently asked questions