Towpath Talk

The flora and fauna found along the Delaware Canal and towpath are a naturalist’s dream. From the majestic eagles to the elegant herons, the variety of birds found along this nearly 60
mile park is impressive. So are the number of native plant species, from spring ephemerals to historic sycamores.

However, we often overlook some of our oldest residents—the charming and plentiful group of reptiles known as turtles that inhabit the towpath. Pennsylvania is home to 13 species of turtles,
many of which can be found in Delaware Canal State Park.

This time of year, turtle spotting is as easy as finding a half submerged log. Many subspecies of freshwater turtles often congregate in large groups. Other subspecies tend to stick to their own kind. Eastern box turtles, with their distinctive dome shaped shell, are found in wooded and grassy areas, while most
prefer freshwater habitat.

Some of the most common species include painted turtles, red-eared sliders, map turtles, eastern musk turtles and the prehistoric-looking snapping turtle. Other species, such as the northern red-bellied turtle (also known as a cooter) and the spotted turtle, are less frequently seen and are considered threatened or endangered due to their shrinking habitats and declining populations.

EASTERN PAINTED TURTLE

Many of you reading this article may recall a time when, as children, we delighted in bringing home a new pet turtle, complete with a plastic habitat outfitted with a slide and a small fake palm tree. Poor creatures!

Painted turtles are the most widespread native turtles in North America. They can withstand freezing temperatures, a unique ability that allows them to survive in colder climates. However,
the pet trade has negatively impacted their population, leading many states to ban the trapping and sale of these much-loved reptiles. The Pennsylvania Department of Health places restrictions on the sale and distribution of live turtles within the state primarily due to the risk of salmonella contamination.

They are a medium-sized turtle that can grow up to 10 inches in length and can live up to 40 years.

RED-EARED SLIDER

The red-eared slider is a popular pet species that is not native to this area but has become quite common. These turtles are often seen and photographed along the canal. Considered one of the world’s worst invasive species, it is illegal to import them into many countries.

While red-eared sliders may not live as long as painted turtles, their shells can grow up to an impressive 16 inches in length, with females typically larger than males. Their size and aggressive nature pose a threat to native painted turtles and red-bellied turtles by competing for food and habitat.

Like their pond relatives, the painted turtle, red-eared sliders are recognized for the subtle yet striking markings on their shells, as well as their distinctive red ears.

NORTHERN MAP TURTLE

These charming but elusive turtles get their name from the yellow-orange lines that mark the top of their carapace, which resemble the lines on a map. They can grow to a reasonably large
size (up to 11 inches) and prefer moving water to standing water.

Another distinguishing characteristic of the carapace or shell is the flat and flared structure with a somewhat pronounced keel (or ridge) that runs down the middle. In the winter, these normally shy turtles sometimes hibernate with others of their kind, even under a layer of ice,  because they have the ability to absorb oxygen from unfrozen water.

EASTERN MUSK TURTLE

What is not to love about these little turtles? They may come in a small package, but they have superpowers. With their extra
long legs, they can climb steep snags or downed trees and bask in solitude, away from the other turtles crowded on logs. If threatened, they can release a foul-smelling liquid to deter attackers. And don’t be deceived by their playful grin; these little “stinkpots,” as they are affectionately called, can deliver a painful bite.

The Eastern Musk turtle also has the distinction of being the only musk turtle found in Pennsylvania. It spends most of its time underwater and likes to scour the bottom of ponds and lakes in search of food, so it is not as easy to spot as other native Pennsylvania reptiles.

EASTERN RED BELLIED TURTLE OR COOTER

The Eastern Red-bellied Turtle is classified as a threatened species by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. To safeguard the Red bellied turtle population, special measures have been implemented to minimize disturbances to their habitat. In the case of the Delaware Canal, work is permitted during the turtles’ active period, which runs from April to October, when they can move away from construction activity.

The turtles hibernate between October 15 and April 15. Therefore, if work on the canal is planned, it must be de-watered by October 15 at the latest, allowing the turtles to find safe places
to hibernate.

The Eastern Red-bellied Turtle is one of Pennsylvania’s largest native aquatic turtles. They can be found in the southeastern and south-central regions of the state, inhabiting slow rivers,
reservoirs, ponds, marshes and ditches. These turtles also spend a significant amount of time sun bathing.

COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE

Out of all of the turtles found in the Delaware Canal State Park, the snapping turtle has the most prehistoric appearance. Turtles have existed on Earth for over 250 million years, yet our native snapping turtles seem to have changed little during that time.

These noble creatures have a bad reputation as they can be quite aggressive when threatened; however, if left alone, they coexist well with towpath visitors. They are the largest turtle species in Pennsylvania, weigh up to 45 pounds and measure 18 inches in length. They have a distinctive, long, serrated tail,

As omnivorous scavengers, snapping turtles play an essential role in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Their large size made them a sought-after food source by indigenous people
and early settlers.

The Delaware Canal State Park provides habitat for so many animals. The next time you’re out walking along the canal, keep a lookout for these fascinating creatures.

OF NOTE: Wild turtles are not pets and should never be removed from their wild habitat. In many cases, it is illegal to do so.

Sources: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, NatureMappingFoundation.org, Wikipedia, iNaturalist.org