Turtle’s mysterious injury caused by a golf ball The golf ball barely missed the painted turtle's spine and vital organs. Margherita Bassi May 29, 2025 10:35 AM EDT ...

The turtle was named the state reptile of Illinois after a vote by Illinois citizens in 2004. Though painted turtles are not endangered, Thompson stressed the importance of protecting the hatchlings.

Larkin A. Powell, Ellen P. Dolph, Charrissa R. Neil. Drought affects sex ratio and growth of painted turtles in a long-term study in Nebraska. Climate Change Ecology, 2023; 5: 100072 DOI: 10.1016 ...

These turtles require a diverse diet to develop and maintain a healthy shell. "They’ll eat insects, earthworms, berries, and greens," Panish said. "They eat all the time.” ...

With early ice-outs on some lakes this year, it's time to see active turtles. Painted turtles are usually first seen sunning a few days before the ice cover leaves larger lakes in various parts of ...