Can you identify these Illinois turtles? T. Trimpe

Snapping Turtle Painted Turtle Smooth Softshell River Cooter Eastern Box Turtle Slider Alligator Snapping Turtle

1 – Snapping Turtle 2 – Eastern Box Turtle 3 – Smooth Softshell 4 – River Cooter 5 – Alligator Snapping Turtle (T) 6 – Slider 7 – Painted Turtle

Many Native Americans share the knowledge of the thirteen moons on a turtles back or carapace. There are thirteen large segments which represent the thirteen moons which make up the lunar year. By counting the smaller segments around the lower edge of the shell, you will find there are 28, which represents the 28 days between new moons. Thirteen Moons on a Turtles Back