identifying a hatchling

Question

Turtle  

Turtle2   I found a turtle on the side of the road in Kentucky and I need help identifying it. It is about the size of a quarter and it is charcoal gray maybe even black in color. it has three bumps on the center of the top shell going straight down the back. the lower shell is outlined in yellow that is the only other color on the turtle. Please help so we know how to care for it. Thank u in advance

Answer
Hi Krissy,

Based on the pictures, I think it's an Eastern mud turtle, or at least a mud turtle species.  However, rather than attempting to keep the turtle, you should return it to a safe area close to where you found it.  The wild populations need offspring to remain in the wild to keep species viable.  Once you keep this hatchling in captivity, it can never be returned to the wild.  Captive bred hatchlings of most North American species are readily available.  If you're interested in keeping a turtle as a pet, I'd suggest researching species and then looking for a CB hatchling of your choice.  Keep in mind that even smaller species require fairly large tanks (minimum size really should be no less than 50 gallons, and some species can require as much as 100-150 gallons) with excellent filtration and basking/UVB lighting, as well as a good diet (pellets, greens, and animal protein).  Most problems I see are due to people keeping them in small tanks with poor filtration, no UVB, and a pellet-only diet, so providing proper housing conditions is really critical.  As for this particular turtle, it really should go back to the wild where it belongs.