Turtles in Toronto

Get familiar with the characteristics of turtle relatives that call Toronto parks their home so you can identify them!

Photo: Mai Ly

Snapping Turtle

Prehistoric-looking

  • Upper shell (carapace) color is tan or olive to black

  • Carapace length is up to 50 cm (19.5 in)

  • Weight over 15 kg (33 lb)

  • Long tail with triangular spikes along the top

  • Largest freshwater turtle in Canada

  • Lifespan estimated between 30 to 40 years in the wild, perhaps even longer.

For more information, read Snapping turtles (Ontario nature).

Photo: James Beaton

Midland Painted Turtle

Olive to black carapace with red or dark orange markings on the margin

  • Red and yellow stripes on the head and neck

  • Carapace length between 12 to 14 cm, measured up to 19.5 cm

  • yellow or dark tan plastron (lower shell) with a darker, irregular “butterfly” marking along the midline

  • Often bask on shorelines, logs, or rocks above the water

For more information, read Midland painted turtles (Ontario nature).

Photo: Tatiana Bitir

Red-eared Slider Turtle

Brown to black carapace

  • Yellow stripes on its limbs and head

  • Distinctive red or orange band around the eyes

  • Maximum size of 25 to 33 cm

  • Can live more than 30 years in captivity

  • Most common non-native species of turtle in Ontario

  • Native to the south-central U.S

Red-eared Sliders are often released into the park’s ponds from home aquariums.

We do not advise having Turtles as companions as they have a long lifespan and should live their life in their native region. If you are considering adopting one, please read Don’t Set Them Free!

If you need to rehome a companion turtle, please contact Little Res Q.