no photo — written note
Animals
A big basking turtle with a bold red stripe behind the eye. Native to the southwest of the state and widely released elsewhere from the pet trade.
Field facts
HabitatPonds, lakes, city park waters
RangeStatewide, native only in the southwest
When to lookMarch to November
StatusLeast Concern (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesPainted Turtle — no red ear patch
Field note: Older males darken until the red stripe nearly disappears.
Lesson
Watching responsibly
Never release pet turtles into a pond; they crowd out natives and spread disease.
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