All printables
Western Painted Turtle — printable fact sheet
Free to print or save as PDF. Great for classrooms, homeschooling, and young explorers.
Creature Atlas
Animal Fact Sheet
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Western Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta bellii
The Western Painted Turtle is the largest subspecies of the painted turtle, recognized by its smooth, olive to black carapace adorned with red and yellow markings along the edges. Native to western North America, these turtles are often found basking on logs or rocks near slow-m…
Did you know?
- Despite being cold-blooded, Western Painted Turtles can remain active at lower temperatures than many other reptiles, even swimming under ice.
- Western Painted Turtles can survive for months under ice in cold northern climates by slowing their metabolism and absorbing oxygen through their skin. Their vibrant painted shells are unique to each individual and help camouflage them among aquatic plants. Hatchlings can delay emerging from their nests until spring, surviving freezing temperatures.
What I learned
Draw the western painted turtle
© Creature Atlas · www.creatureatlas.com · Free for classroom & personal use
Want the whole set?
Get printable fact-sheet packs, coloring pages, and classroom worksheet bundles for dozens of animals — ready to download and print.
Browse printable packsGet a free printable each week
Join the newsletter for a new Creature of the Week + printables.