*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: Only the Eastern River Cooter, Pseudemys concinna concinna, occurs within Louisiana.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Statewide.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe: These large turtles are most easily observed basking on logs in rivers and larger bodies of water in the late mornings of spring and summer.
Global Conservation Status: River Cooters are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: River Cooters are a restricted species in Louisiana, where, with a proper license, they may be taken, but take and possession is limited to two River Cooters, and no more than 10 restricted turtles (maximum of two per species, except Western Alligator Snapping Turtles which is one) are allowed in possession..
Author's Remarks: I have observed this species regularly in nearly all sizable permanent water bodies in the state.
