Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus

The stinkpot is characterized by a longitudinally keeled carapace, reduced plastron with a single hinge, and a bold yellow head stripes. This small species (less than 4.5 inches) is aptly named for the pungent musk it may exude from two small musk glands at the bridge between the plastron and carapace. Compared to females, males have longer, thicker tails and larger areas of skin exposed between the plastral seams. This highly aquatic species is infrequently observed on land, but may bask high in trees overhanging the water. The stinkpot is very common throughout the Southeast, occurring in almost every type of aquatic habitat.