Apperance

• The Pacific mud turtle's markings are plain to help him blend into his environment. From a distance, you will notice he has a neutral colored top shell and a light yellow lower shell. When viewing him up close, you'll notice he has a light marble-like pattern to his top shell.
  
  

Behavior

• Trying to catch one of these turtles to examine in your hands may be tricky. The Pacific pond turtle is naturally shy and will quickly go from sunbathing on a rock to diving into the water where you (or predators) won't have much luck finding her.
  
  

Food Source

• Western pond turtles are omnivorous (eating both plants and meat/animals). Common food sources for these turtles include insects, small frogs, aquatic plant life, fish and small animals. The Oregon Zoo website notes that while the reason is undetermined, a Western pond turtle can only eat his food underwater.
  
  

Habitat

• The Pacific pond turtle prefers ponds, rivers, streams and land areas that provide convenient shelter and will allow her to regulate her body temperature by basking on the dry shore, on a rock or in the mud.
  
  

Environmental Status

• In many northwestern states, including Washington and Oregon, the Pacific pond turtle is listed as an endangered species. There are many natural and human-created causes for this decline in the turtle population, including being eaten by predators, destroyed or altered habitats or disease.