Turtles of North America: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Turtles of the Continental United States and Canada

Turtles are among the most fascinating, attractive, easily recognized and loved vertebrates on the planet. Yet, of the hundreds of species worldwide, well over half are in danger of becoming extinct due to habitat loss, road mortality, disease, commercial fishing, harvesting for food or sale as pets. Turtles need our help to survive; this book describes some of these common threats to turtles, and how we can take positive action to help them survive and thrive.

Turtles have been around since the time of the dinosaurs -- over 230 million years. They have an amazing ability to heal from injuries that would kill many other species as well as incredible physiological capabilities. From tunneling deep into the earth and making kilometer-deep oceanic dives, to full-body freezing in winter and tolerating hot sandy beaches, turtles have remarkable abilities that are belied by their slow-and-steady public image.

Turtles of North America begins with an introduction to turtle biology, how they diversified over time and how we classify the groups of turtles that exist today. A section about anatomy details their basic body plan, and how it varies to take advantage of different environments. A section about behavior covers how they live, from what they eat to what eats them, and their importance in the environment.

Fully illustrated species accounts describe the 64 species of turtles that inhabit the continental United States and Canada and the oceans that surround them. For each turtle there are photographs and text that show how to identify the species and give information about its life history. A range map shows where each turtle may be found. To complete this comprehensive guidebook, numerous additional pages highlight interesting or unusual aspects of North American turtle species, and a section about turtle conservation tells you how to protect and support turtles.

Kyle Horner is a naturalist and environmental educator who has taught at parks, zoos, botanical gardens, non-profits and the University of Guelph. He was introduced to birds at an early age by his father but has a particular interest in fostering appreciation for some of nature’s less-beloved creatures. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Sue Carstairs (BSc, DVM) is the executive and medical director at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough, Ontario. She also teaches a wildlife course to veterinary technicians at Seneca College.