-- ANIMAL FACTS --
THE TURTLE


Turtles belong to the class of animals called reptiles. They are most abundant in southeastern North America and southeastern Asia. They live in lakes, ponds, salt marshes, rivers, forests, and even deserts. The size of turtles varies from no larger than about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long to more than 6 and a half feet (2 meters) in length weighing more than 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms).

Turtles have protective shells. Some species, such as the box turtle, can withdraw the head, legs, and tail and tightly close themselves in their shell for protection. The snapping turtle cannot pull itself into it's shell very well. Instead it has powerful jaws and claws that are the its best defense against enemies. Sea turtles also are unable to retreat completely inside their shells.

Turtles have very good eyes and a well-developed sense of smell and taste. They have no external ear openings however, so they do not hear well. Turtles have no teeth and use their sharp beaks to tear food into pieces that are then swallowed in chunks. Turtles mainly eat living or dead plant and animal matter.

The legs and feet of most turtles are adapted for walking on land, and the webbing between their toes helps them swim. Their toes have claws. Although all turtles breathe with lungs, some can go for long periods without breathing air directly.

All turtles go ashore to lay eggs. The female digs a hole with her hind feet and drops the eggs into it. After covering the opening, she departs from the nest immediately and never comes back. Female turtles can become twice as large as the males. Turtles live longer than most other animals. Several kinds have lived more than 50 years in captivity.