**Description:** A small, dark turtle with a highly domed shell; much smaller and smoother than the Common Snapping Turtle.
**Size:** Shell length of 3 to 5 inches.
**Sexual Dimorphism:** Males have a concave plastron (bottom shell) and larger tails; females have flat plastrons.
**Behavior:** Known as the "Stinkpot" because they release a foul-smelling yellow musk when threatened. They are surprisingly good climbers.
**Habitat:** Slow-moving streams, marshes, and mucky reservoir coves with abundant vegetation.