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Flattened Musk Turtle
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| Description: A small freshwater
turtle less than 5 inches in total length with a flattened top shell. The
top of the shell is brown and the bottom either pink or yellow. The head is
greenish with a network of dark markings. The flattened musk turtle feeds on
invertebrates such as snails and mussels in undammed small to medium sized
clear shallow streams. It can also be found upstream and downstream of
impoundments.
Distribution by County: Currently found only in the Black Warrior watershed above the Bankhead Dam. The ten Alabama counties included in its range are Blount, Cullman, Etowah, Jefferson, Marshall, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston. |
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Forestry
Considerations: These animals are sensitive to changes in streambed
and water quality, especially siltation. Adherence to Alabama’s Best
Management Practices for Forestry should prevent them from being impacted by
forestry activities.
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