Western Pond Turtle. Red-Eared Sliders, a non-native turtle have yellow stripes on the neck, plus a red patch behind the eyes. ,'>
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Common Name:Turtle, Western Painted
Scientific Name:Chrysemys picta
Family:Emydidae (Box & Water Turtles)
Area:Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, Idaho
Date:June 16, 2005

These two Painted Turtles appear to be vying for attention. The Painted Turtle is easily identified by the yellow stripes along its head and neck, compared to the only other native turtle in the Northwest, the more bland colored Western Pond Turtle. Red-Eared Sliders, a non-native turtle have yellow stripes on the neck, plus a red patch behind the eyes.

Reference:Plants and Animals of the Pacific Northwest by Kozloff / Western Reptiles and Amphibians by Stebbins