A turtle less often seen

This freshwater turtle looks similar to the more common red-ear slider but lacks the distinctive red mark on each side of the head.

This is an eastern river cooter. It is a rather common turtle in Southeast Missouri but is one less often seen. It favors clear running streams of the south-central and eastern U.S. During winter's cold, eastern river cooters will hibernate in submerged vegetation or mud on the river bottom. On winter days when temperatures are near 70 degrees, a sluggish eastern river cooter may venture above the water surface as this one did, and bask on a log. During summer it will be quick to dive into the water, giving less opportunity for a photograph.

This turtle has webbed hind feet, which help it swim very fast under water to escape danger.