Type of Shell: hard, domed shell

Widely known as "Skink Pots," Common Musk Turtles are found throughout East and Central Texas. They are often caught on the ends of fishing lines or seen walking on the bottoms of ponds and rivers. They have a pair of musk glands located on each side of their body. Musk turtles are bottom walkers that will sometimes come above water to bask. Musk turtles only have one hinge on their plastron. Hatchlings are under an inch in length.

In Iowa, Maine and Vermont this species are state listed as endangered. In a Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and District of Columbia it is listed as a species of special concern.

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