Sliders, Cooters, and Painteds
(Trachemys sp, Pseudemys sp, and Chrysemys sp)

The sliders, cooters, and painteds are the classic “pond turtle”.  Sliders and cooters are found mostly in the southeastern US.  Painted turtles are found from Florida to the Gulf coast states (Mississippi).  When they are young, these turtles are primarily carnivorous.  As they get older, they turn more vegetarian.  Sliders and cooters grow over 12 inches in size.  Painteds generally grow to 6-7 inches, except female western painteds get much larger.  These turtles are generally a very common turtle in the wild, however, Alabama Red Belly Cooters are federally listed as a threatened species.