Because of releases, it is now established throughout the United States. It is usually seen sunning with Painted Turtles, and is the only North American turtle with a conspicuous red stripe on the side of its head. Shell length is 5-8 inches. A threatened species in Pennsylvania. Usually seen sunning with Painted Turtles, but is almost twice the size of that species with a shell length of 10-12.5 inches.
Color varies from brown to black with a mottled pattern of reddish brown.
Several vertical red bars run from the center of the shell to its outer edge. There are no poisonous snakes within the Refuge. However, snakes like most animals, will bite if picked up and should be left alone. Often seen sunning on muskrat houses. The water moccasin is not found north of the Dismal Swamp in Southern Virginia.